Muscat – Two new mineral areas in North Sharqiyah have been opened for investment to local and international companies, as part of Oman’s efforts to enhance the attractiveness of the mining sector and promote value-added development.

The Ministry of Energy and Minerals said the investment window – December 28, 2025 to April 28, 2026 – is in line with government plans to support quality investment based on geological and economic assessments.

The offering includes two sites covering a combined area of approximately 2.55sqkm. Initial geological studies indicate the presence of dark marble deposits with commercial potential, presenting opportunities to develop mining projects that can contribute to economic growth in the minerals sector. Among the sites available is a black marble deposit in Dima wa al Taien.

Omani marble is exported mainly to GCC countries, India and South Korea, while adhering to national policies that restrict the export of raw materials in order to encourage domestic processing and higher-value production.

As part of its drive to promote quality investment opportunities, the ministry continues to offer mining sites through the Taqah digital platform, which showcases building materials and mineral resources to Omani and international investors.

Saud bin Khamis al Mahrouqi, Director General of Minerals, said Omani marble represents one of the most notable success stories in the mining sector, citing its high quality and colour diversity, which enable it to compete in regional and international markets.

He said Omani marble is widely used in the manufacture of tiles, slabs and decorative stones and is exported to several countries, reflecting the availability of reserves and the efficiency of national production and processing chains.

Mahrouqi informed that the sultanate currently has more than 15 active quarries and around 11 integrated marble processing plants, with annual production exceeding 1mn tonnes. He added that there is scope to increase output further in line with growing global demand.

He stressed that the ministry’s policy focuses on maximising in-country value by limiting the export of raw marble blocks and expanding the production of finished and semi-finished products. Development efforts also include improving operational efficiency, adopting modern technologies, creating employment opportunities and enhancing environmental sustainability through the recycling of marble waste within a circular economy framework.

The ministry, Mahrouqi added, is moving ahead with strategic programmes to develop the marble sector, including preparation of approved public mining sites and implementation of a bidding system aimed at enhancing transparency and equal opportunity. These measures provide investors with regulatory clarity and support a competitive investment environment.

Omani marble resources include metamorphosed limestone and dense, polishable sandstone in a range of colours, including white, brown, yellow tones and black. Major reserves are located in Ibri, Bahla, Nizwa, Ibra, Al Qabil and Mahdha, as well as within the Western and Eastern Al Hajar mountain ranges, where advanced extraction techniques are used before processing into finished products.