Energy & Minerals Forum Held in Duqm

The Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM) hosted the fourth Energy and Minerals Forum in Duqm, Al Wusta Governorate, highlighting the region’s central role in Oman’s energy transition and resource development.

Held under the patronage of H E Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, the forum was attended by H E Sheikh Dr Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidy, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones; H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Muslim al Kathiri, Governor of Al Wusta; H E Mohsin bin Hamad al Hadhrami, Undersecretary of MEM; alongside senior government officials and representatives from leading energy and mining companies.

The event focused on reviewing major development projects and investment opportunities in Al Wusta, while promoting greater collaboration between the public and private sectors in oil and gas, mining, renewable energy, and green hydrogen.

The forum comprised four key sessions covering oil and gas, minerals, renewable energy and hydrogen, and the sultanate’s journey to net zero emission. These sessions highlighted MEM’s achievements, upcoming projects, and national initiatives aligned with Oman Vision 2040.

H E Aufi said the forum reflects the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to dialogue and engagement with government institutions, the private sector, and local communities. He described it as a key platform to showcase current and future projects, highlight investment opportunities, and discuss operational challenges and innovative solutions to enhance the sustainability of these sectors, contributing to Oman Vision 2040’s goal of a diversified and sustainable economy.

H E Aufi noted that Al Wusta plays a pivotal role in Oman’s national energy system, with 12 oil and gas concession areas – eight of which are operational – and 10 mining concessions, eight granted for the extraction of silica, salt, kaolin, potash and pyrite, alongside numerous quarries for construction materials and ornamental stones.

The governorate also hosts significant renewable and hydrogen energy projects, including the Ras Madrakah project and the Mahout Wind Power Plant, with a capacity of 400 megawatts, expected to begin operations in 2027. The Masirah–Mahout power interconnection project, operating at 132 kilovolts across 60 kilometres, is scheduled for completion in 2026.

H E Aufi highlighted MEM’s efforts to achieve Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 and expand renewable energy use in oil and gas operations, reducing carbon emissions and promoting long-term energy sustainability.

In the mining sector, he explained that silica from the Mahout concession is currently supplied domestically for ferrosilicon production, used in steel, magnesium, and chemical industries. Plans are underway to expand its use into glass manufacturing and to develop technical capabilities for semiconductors and solar panels, maximising in-country value, empowering national talent, and supporting sustainable development across Oman.

During the forum, Dr Saleh bin Ali al Anbouri, Director General of Oil and Gas Exploration and Production at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, outlined the evolution of Oman’s oil and gas industry. He noted that producing concession areas increased from five in 2000 to 18 in 2023, supported by an investor-friendly framework based on Exploration and Production Sharing Agreements (EPSAs).

Dr Anbouri emphasised Oman’s regional leadership in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) technologies, expected to contribute up to 20% of total oil production by 2025. He also highlighted progress in unconventional gas projects including Saih Rawl, Saih Nihayda, Khazzan, Ghazeer, and North East Mabrook.

Dr Anbouri noted that Oman’s current output averages around 1mn barrels of oil and 5bn cubic feet of gas per day, with a 4.5% reduction in carbon emissions achieved in 2023.