Muscat: The Ministry of Energy and Minerals today signed a mining concession agreement with Al Tamman Indsil FerroChrome Company for exploration and mining in concession area No. (22-D) in North A’Sharqiyah Governorate. The concession zone extends over an area of 790 square kilometers, with a set of ophiolite rocks that contain indicators of existing ores like copper and chromium.

According to Oman News Agency, the agreement requires the company to conduct a comprehensive exploration programme during the first two years. This includes topographic and geophysical surveys using remote sensing techniques and drafting detailed geological maps for a significant portion of the area.

The exploration programme also entails precise geochemical and physical analyses, along with the implementation of an intensive drilling programme. This programme is expected to consist of up to 250 holes, each averaging 35 metres deep.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman by Eng. Salim Nasse
r Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, and Dr. Roman Lorf, acting on behalf of the Chairman of the Al Tamman Indsil FerroChrome Company’s Board of Directors.