Muscat: Mazoon Mining, a subsidiary of Minerals Development Oman (MDO), today marked a significant milestone with the official groundbreaking of the Mazoon Copper Project in the Wilayat of Yanqul, A’Dhahirah Governorate. The ceremony was held under the patronage of His Abdul Salam Mohammed Al Murshidi, Chairman of Oman Investment Authority (OIA). The project is set to play a key role in meeting the growing global demand for copper while positioning Oman as a strategic hub for high-quality copper concentrate production.
According to Oman News Agency, the Mazoon Copper Project is the largest integrated copper concentrate production project in the Sultanate of Oman, covering 20 square kilometers and consisting of five open-pit mines with an estimated 22.9 million tons of copper ore reserves. The project also includes the construction of a state-of-the-art processing plant, spanning 56,000 square meters, with the capacity to process 2.5 million tons of copper ore annually. It is projected to produce 115,000 tons
of copper concentrate per year at a 21.5% copper grade.
The project underscores a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, integrating advanced technologies in the management of both mining operations and the processing plant to adhere to the highest environmental standards. Furthermore, it aims to enhance local impact by investing in the social and economic growth of the Yanqul community, reinforcing the company’s dedication to fostering sustainable development across economic and social dimensions.
Mazoon Copper Project’s journey began with extensive exploration activities, culminating in the signing of a concession agreement in 2022 for Concession Area 12-A1. To ensure the successful delivery of the project, the Canadian firm Lycopodium was appointed to provide engineering, procurement, and construction management services. With the project now in its initial development stages, site preparations are well underway, and tenders are being issued, signaling the next steps for the project.
Constru
ction of the processing plant is planned to begin in the first quarter of 2025, and production of copper concentrate is set to commence in the first quarter of 2027. This strategic timeline will play a crucial role in ramping up copper production and meeting both local and international market demands.
The Chairman of Oman Investment Authority stated that this project marks a transformative step in positioning Oman as a strategic copper hub, contributing to the diversification of the national economy and creating sustainable job opportunities for Omanis. The project is expected to have a significant positive impact on the local community, supporting SMEs and driving economic development.
Najib Ali Al Rowas, Governor of A’Dhahirah, praised the collaboration with Mazoon Mining, emphasizing the commitment to establishing a strong community partnership focused on achieving both social and economic development in Yanqul. Dr. Badar Saud Al Kharusi, Chairman of Minerals Development Oman, commented on the progress,
highlighting the project’s milestone in adding invaluable assets to MDO’s portfolio and reflecting its financial stability and global trust.
Sustainability is a core pillar of the Mazoon Copper Project, with a zero-water discharge system and waste management systems in place to preserve the surrounding environment. In addition to the Mazoon Copper Project, MDO continues to advance its exploration campaigns across a range of strategic minerals and has initiated the redevelopment of copper mines in Sohar and Liwa, reflecting MDO’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its market position and driving sustainable economic development across Oman.