In ancient times Oman was known as Majan, a reference to its trade in copper smelting. Today, metals along with minerals continue to play an important part in Oman’s economy, contributing 2.5% to GDP in 2024 and 5% targeted by 2040 as the country positions itself as a regional and global centre for mineral production. Maximising the sector’s economic potential is the development of processing capacity with projects such as the titanium dioxide production plant on SOHAR Free Zone and Oman Synergies Casting, producing high-quality aluminum wheels for vehicles. And with much of Oman’s considerable metal and mineral wealth - dolomite, limestone, gypsum, gabbro, copper, gold and more – still untapped, prospects for the sector are highly encouraging.

This Tejarah Talks session takes a fresh look at mining, digging into how technological innovation and sustainable approaches are transforming a sector that has traditionally been regarded in something of a negative light due to the dangerous nature of excavations and their environmental impact. Using case studies and success stories as their starting point, the expert panel will uncover new approaches to this age-old contributor to development and growth and dig into the clean, green possibilities it holds for young Omanis along the value chain.

Panel Topics at a Glance

• Adopting renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency and developing low-carbon technologies
• Integrating ESG factors into mining operations
• Innovation in exploration
• Digital transformation for improved efficiency and productivity
• Drones and IoT in mining
• Data-driven decision making
• The growing demand for minerals essential for renewable energy and electric vehicles
• Future jobs in mining, hi-tech opportunities, skills development and capacity building