There are 7 major factories producing iron ore in Oman now, contributing to the Sultanate’s GDP increased to more than 2% according to the statement by the Directorate General of Industry at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP)
The 2022 industrial survey data showed that the exports of these factories amounted to RO 687 million, and 1,681 employees work directly in them, with locals working in various positions, a rate of up to 45%.
His Excellency Dr. Saleh bin Saeed Masan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, stressed that the iron industries and their list of products are one of the main directions in the Sultanate of Oman’s industrial strategy for 2024, due to the great local and international demand for them, strengthening their role, with global supply chains in the iron and steel markets.
His Excellency said in a statement to the Oman News Agency that these industries rely on the best-advanced technologies and innovation in production processes while keeping in mind a shift towards renewable energy to achieve sustainability.
“Many industries rely on iron as a fundamental material for manufacturing a variety of products,” H E Masan noted, pointing out the increasing opportunities in the industry to attract investments and job opportunities and thus contribute to economic growth.
H E Masan also reported that there had been recent partnerships with foreign investors from Brazil and China, bringing in an agreement between Vale Oman and China’s Jinaan Iron and Steel Group to establish the first iron ore concentration plant in Oman-Sohar Port, and Free Zone, with investments amounting to RO 240 million (624 million US dollars) to produce 12.6 million tons of high-quality iron concentrate products.
This partnership between Vale and Jinaan aims to combine industrial and logistical strengths, fostering sustainable growth and strengthening Oman’s role as a key player in the global iron and steel industry.