Mawarid Mining Exports First Shipment of Omani Copper Concentrates

First Copper Export Marks Key Milestone for Oman’s Mining Sector
Mawarid Mining, a subsidiary of the Mohammed Al Barwani Group, has successfully exported its first shipment of copper concentrates. The concentrates were sourced from the Al Ghuzayn underground copper project, Oman’s only underground copper mine, which is expected to produce over 1 million tons of ore per year. The operation is projected to yield around 20,000 tons of copper concentrate annually for export. This marks a significant achievement for both Mawarid Mining and Oman’s broader mining industry.

Al Ghuzayn Project: A Landmark for Omani Mining
The Al Ghuzayn project, which began development in early 2023, plays a pivotal role in establishing Oman as a key player in the global copper market. With an estimated 6.4 million tons of copper ore reserves, Al Ghuzayn is designed to operate for a minimum of seven years. The mine, which employs advanced underground mining techniques, will not only contribute to Oman’s growing mining sector but also helps reduce the environmental impact through minimized noise and dust emissions.

In cooperation with Gulf Rock Engineering, Mawarid Mining is leading the development of this groundbreaking underground operation, further strengthening its position as a leader in Oman’s mining sector. The extraction process at Al Ghuzayn is supported by Mawarid’s Lasail Copper Concentrator, which has been refurbished to ensure continued operations for at least another 25 years. The concentrator can now process more than 130 tons of ore per hour, ensuring a reliable supply of copper concentrates.

Environmental and Economic Impact
Tariq Al-Barwani, Managing Director of Mawarid Mining, expressed pride in reaching this milestone, highlighting the collaboration with contractors and the Omani government’s support. The achievement reflects Mawarid Mining’s ongoing contribution to Oman’s national economy, particularly in the mining and manufacturing sectors. Haitham Al-Bahrani, Chief Corporate Officer, emphasized Mawarid’s commitment to maximizing In-Country Value (ICV), which further strengthens Oman’s presence in the global copper market.

The copper extracted from Al Ghuzayn will play a key role in supporting global sustainability, particularly in the green energy transition. Chris Jordinson, Deputy CEO, noted the critical role of copper in industries such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, and advanced technology. As a key material in these sectors, the development of Al Ghuzayn will help meet rising global demand for copper, supporting a wide range of technologies essential to sustainable development.

Global Mining Expansion and Future Outlook
Mawarid Mining’s success at Al Ghuzayn adds to a growing portfolio of projects across Oman and internationally.
The company has completed four major mining projects in Oman and has active operations in countries such as Namibia, Rwanda, and Papua New Guinea. As Mawarid continues to expand its global footprint, the company is well-positioned to play a significant role in the global copper supply chain, especially as demand for copper rises in line with the global transition to green energy solutions.