Suhar – Construction has begun on a US$50mn (RO19.2mn) zinc ash recycling industrial park at Sohar Port and Freezone, marking a major investment in Oman’s metals and advanced manufacturing sectors.

The project, being developed by Oman Zinc Company, is expected to strengthen Sohar Freezone’s position as a regional industrial hub while supporting the Sultanate’s economic diversification strategy through value-added manufacturing.

Spread across a 100,000sqm site, the industrial park will house an integrated facility to recycle zinc ash and electric arc furnace (EAF) dust into refined zinc products for export.

Once operational, the complex will produce up to 10,000 tonnes of refined zinc ingots and 50,000 tonnes of rubber-grade zinc oxide annually. The products will be supplied to industries across the GCC, Southeast Asia, Europe and Africa, serving manufacturers in galvanising, alloys, rubber, batteries and speciality chemicals.

Raid Al Rubaiey, CEO, Sohar Freezone, and deputy CEO, Sohar Port, said the project reflects the freezone’s ability to attract high-value industrial investments and provide an efficient business environment.

The project will be developed in two phases. The first will focus on recovering zinc-bearing materials, treating zinc waste and trial production of refined zinc alloys, while the second phase will add a refinery for high-purity zinc alloys and a plant producing high-grade zinc oxide.

Lin Feng, chairman, Oman Zinc Company, said the investment forms part of the company’s international expansion strategy and positions Sohar as a regional hub for zinc recovery and processing.

The project is also expected to boost demand for logistics, engineering, maintenance and technical services, creating opportunities for local suppliers while strengthening Oman’s industrial value chain.