Oman’s MDO Initiates Copper Mine Redevelopment in Sohar and Liwa

Minerals Development Oman (MDO) has commenced the redevelopment of the Lasil and Al Baydha copper mines in Block 4, located in the Wilayats of Sohar and Liwa. This significant move, marked by a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Eng. Salim Nasser Al Oufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, heralds the start of Oman's renewed focus on copper mining.

The initiative follows extensive exploration by MDO in 2022, uncovering commercial reserves of copper ore estimated at 2.78 million tons within Oman Mining Company's geological assets. The project, MDO's first venture into copper mining, will unfold in phases, starting with the construction and mobilization of the mines, followed by open-pit mining and subsequent processing operations. Copper ore production at the Lasil mine is expected to kick off this year, with the Al Baydha mine following suit in 2026, aiming for an annual output of around 800,000 tons of copper ore.

The initial phase of the project is projected to span four years, with ongoing exploration efforts aimed at discovering new reserves to extend production. MDO's commitment to revitalizing the copper mining sector in Oman is evident in its efforts to boost local industries and meet global demand.

A national contractor has been entrusted with the mining operations, while Mawarid Mining will handle the ore processing at their Sohar-based concentrator. This collaborative effort underscores MDO's strategy to stimulate Oman's mining sector and foster public-private partnerships.

Under the leadership of Eng. Nasser Saif Al Moqbali, MDO's CEO, the company is executing an ambitious strategy to rejuvenate the Oman Mining Company and capitalize on its untapped geological assets. The redevelopment of the Lasil and Al Baydha mines is a testament to this strategy's success, aiming to enhance MDO's financial performance, leverage technical expertise, and reestablish Oman as a key player in the global copper market.