Nakhl – South Batinah is strengthening its position as one of Oman’s emerging mining centres, with 35 mining licences issued until 2025 and new exploration activity targeting copper deposits, according to the Ministry of Energy and Minerals.

The governorate currently has 15 operational mining sites, including 14 for building materials and one for chromium ore, reflecting continued growth in a sector seen as an important contributor to economic diversification and industrial development.

Juma bin Khamis Al Bakari, Director of the Minerals Department in North and South Batinah governorates, said quarries and crushers are distributed across several wilayats based on geological formations and the availability of mineral resources. He noted that Nakhl accounts for the largest share of quarrying activity in the governorate.

Al Bakari said investments in quarries and crushers range from RO500,000 to RO20mn, depending on the size of the project and the type of mineral being extracted. The sector currently contributes about 0.7% to the governorate’s GDP.

He said ongoing exploration programmes and geological studies continue to reveal promising mineral potential in South Batinah, particularly for copper and chromium. These resources are expected to create new opportunities for investment and support the expansion of mining activities in the coming years.

The governorate’s mining sector has attracted growing interest as Oman seeks to increase the contribution of mining to the national economy under its diversification strategy. Officials believe the presence of commercially viable mineral resources could help stimulate industrial activity, create employment opportunities and enhance the value of local supply chains.

Al Bakari said 16 mining sites are currently undergoing closure procedures following the depletion of raw materials at the respective quarry sites. In addition, four sites located in the wilayats of Rustaq and Nakhl have yet to begin operations.

As part of efforts to unlock new mineral resources, a copper exploration licence was issued earlier this year. Authorities are also working to complete procedures for 13 public sites that will support the supply of building materials across the governorate during 2026.

Geological studies conducted in the governorate indicate the presence of a variety of mineral resources, including copper and chromium, reinforcing the sector’s long-term potential. Industry officials say continued exploration and investment will be key to maximising the economic value of these resources and supporting sustainable development objectives in Oman.