Muscat – Minerals Development Oman (MDO), the sultanate’s leading mining investment and development company, has signed an Employee Exchange Agreement with Kazakhstan-based Solidcore Resources to strengthen technical knowledge transfer, develop national talent and build specialised capabilities in the mining sector.

Solidcore Resources is a Kazakhstan-based gold producer listed on the Astana International Exchange. The company operates two producing gold mines and has a major growth project in the country.

The agreement supports MDO’s preparations for the operational phase of the Mazoon Copper Project by providing Omani professionals with hands-on exposure to international mining practices, technical expertise and operational experience, MDO said in a social media post.

The company said the agreement also reinforces its commitment to localising knowledge, developing national capabilities and preparing Oman’s workforce for future growth in the mining sector.

Separately, Solidcore Resources confirmed in a press statement that it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MDO to establish a framework for cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two companies.

The Kazakh firm brings extensive experience in mineral exploration, mine development, mining operations and mineral processing across multiple jurisdictions. This expertise is expected to support the exchange of technical knowledge and best practices between the two companies.

‘The non-binding MoU outlines potential forms of cooperation, including short-term personnel secondments, technical placements at operational sites, workshops and training, exchange of best practices, and joint technical working groups,’ Solidcore Resources said.

It added that the two companies have identified several potential areas of cooperation, including geology and exploration, mining, mineral processing and metallurgy, production and operational practices, technical and project development, health and safety, and environmental and sustainability practices.

According to Solidcore Resources, the cooperation is intended to provide practical exposure and facilitate the transfer of specialised knowledge between professionals from both organisations.

The company said the parties intend to subsequently negotiate a definitive agreement covering knowledge transfer and technical cooperation. The agreement will supersede the MoU and set out the detailed terms and scope of future collaboration.

The partnership comes as MDO continues to develop Oman’s mining sector and strengthen the technical capabilities required to support the industry’s expansion, including the transition of major projects into operational phases.