Muscat – The Energy and Mining Committee at Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) reviewed the latest developments in the energy and mining sectors, with particular focus on issues related to the marketing and export of gypsum and chromite ores from Oman, on Wednesday.

The discussions took place during the committee’s first meeting of the year, chaired by Dr Abdullah bin Masoud Al Harthi, OCCI Board Member and Chairman of the Energy and Mining Committee.

Committee members examined concerns and observations raised by companies operating in the sector regarding the economic, operational and legal implications of current mechanisms governing the marketing and export of gypsum and chromite ores.

Participants highlighted the need to strike a balance between regulatory objectives and the competitiveness of Omani mining companies, while ensuring the sustainability of supply chains and preserving established trade links with international markets.

The meeting also addressed challenges associated with low-grade chromite ore, a substantial share of which is produced locally with a chromium concentration of less than 36%. Members stressed the importance of establishing clear mechanisms for handling such ores and identifying opportunities to enhance the utilisation of these through local processing and manufacturing activities.

The committee noted that expanding downstream industries and increasing value-added processing could help maximise economic returns from Oman’s mineral resources while supporting the broader objectives of industrial diversification and sustainable growth.

The discussions were part of ongoing efforts to increase the contribution of the mining sector to the national economy and improve the efficiency and competitiveness of Omani mineral exports in regional and global markets.