#Oman #Muscat #Minerals Development Oman #Dev Salt #Naqa Salt

Minerals Development Oman Partners for Naqa Salt Project

In a significant move to harness Oman's abundant natural resources, Minerals Development Oman (MDO) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Dev Salt to launch the Naqa Salt Project. This ambitious endeavor is set to become the largest industrial salt production initiative in the Middle East, located in the Wilayat Mahout of Al Wusta Governorate.

The Naqa Salt Project is strategically positioned within MDO's 51,000-hectare concession area along the Arabian Sea, an ideal site for solar evaporation, a method that harnesses sunlight to extract salt. This geographical advantage is complemented by the project’s proximity to Duqm Port, enhancing its competitiveness in exporting to critical global markets that require products like bromine, caustic soda, and soda ash.

The project emphasizes sustainability, utilizing environmentally friendly, solar-powered evaporation technology to produce high-purity, bromine-rich industrial salt. According to Eng. Mattar Al Badi, CEO of MDO, the establishment of Naqa Salt marks a pivotal development for Oman's mining industry. “This initiative embodies our commitment to sustainable growth and leverages Mahout’s unique ecological features,” he stated.

With a projected investment of OMR 13.4 million, the Naqa Salt Project aims to produce an impressive 2 million tonnes of industrial salt annually from evaporation ponds spanning approximately 109 square kilometers. The resulting salt will boast a purity level of up to 99%, making it perfect for various sectors including chemicals, oil and gas, logistics, food production, and pharmaceuticals.

The project is not only focused on meeting local demand but also seeks to tap into diversified international markets such as India, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Hirendrasingh Jhala, Chairman of Dev Global, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting, “We are proud to collaborate with MDO on this strategically crucial project. Building on our expertise in large-scale salt ventures, we are confident that the Naqa Salt Project will satisfy escalating demand while bolstering industrial resilience and security in the supply chain.”

Demand for industrial salt is set to rise significantly, with global needs projected to exceed 372 million tonnes by 2027. The implementation of the Naqa Salt Project positions Oman as a future leader in the industrial salt market.

Beyond its industrial implications, the Naqa Salt Project also promises environmental benefits. The evaporation ponds are expected to form habitats that attract migratory birds and marine life. This aspect opens up potential prospects for eco-tourism development in the region, combining industrial advancement with ecological conservation.

In summary, the Naqa Salt Project is not just a large-scale salt production initiative but a model for sustainable industrial practices that prioritize both economic growth and environmental stewardship. As Oman embarks on this journey, the project serves as a testament to the nation's commitment to maximizing its natural resources while safeguarding the environment, paving the way for future advancements in the mining sector and beyond.