Value-driven investments position Oman for minerals success

November 26, 2025

Mattar Al Badi, CEO of Minerals Development Oman (MDO), talks to The Energy Year about how the company contributes to Oman Vision 2040 and the importance of the Mazoon Copper Project for the country. State-owned MDO operates as the minerals arm of Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals.

How does MDO support the mining sector’s contribution to Oman Vision 2040?
As the dedicated investment and development arm for mining under the Oman Investment Authority, MDO plays a central role in unlocking the sector’s full potential. We are actively developing a broad portfolio of mineral concessions across the country and advancing them through exploration, feasibility and early-stage development – de-risking them before engaging with the private sector.
Our mission goes beyond investments. We’re helping to shape Oman’s mining ecosystem, shifting from a legacy of quarrying to more complex, value-added operations in copper, chromite, gold and industrial minerals. We’re also working closely with academic institutions to build specialised programmes and equip local talent with the skills needed for the future of mining in Oman.
Flagship projects such as the Mazoon Copper Project and the Ash Shuwaymiyyah Industrial Minerals Project serve as national milestones, setting a new standard for integrated, ESG-driven resource development. We align our projects with Vision 2040’s priorities by clustering opportunities, fostering innovation and attracting strategic partners to co-develop sustainable and globally competitive ventures.
Our approach is built on four pillars: responsible resource development, partnership facilitation, sustainability and community impact, and innovation-driven operational excellence. Through this structure, MDO is committed to driving a resilient, technology-enabled and inclusive mining sector for Oman’s future.

What do you look for in your partnerships, and what can MDO offer in return?
We welcome both domestic and international partners who align with our long-term vision of building a competitive and sustainable mining sector. As a state-backed entity with strong government alignment, funding is not a barrier, and that allows us to move confidently on strategic projects such as the Mazoon Copper Project.
What we value most in our partnerships is technical expertise. We seek partners who bring advanced technologies, operational know-how and a commitment to developing local capabilities. These collaborations are critical for scaling our operations efficiently and embedding global standards across our ventures.
In return, MDO offers access to high-potential mineral assets, a stable investment environment and a growing footprint in midstream and downstream projects, such as our titanium and magnesium initiatives. We aim to create partnerships built on trust, performance and long-term shared value.

What impact will the Mazoon Copper Project have on Oman’s regional exports?
The Mazoon Copper Project marks a pivotal moment for Oman’s mining sector. While it may not be large by global standards, it signals our serious entry into copper production and export. It enhances Oman’s credibility as a reliable mineral supplier and builds confidence among investors and financiers, laying the foundation for larger-scale developments.
What sets the project apart is our commitment to doing it right from the start. We’re embedding ESG principles at the core of the project, including the use of high-efficiency technologies to minimise water consumption and maximise metal recovery, even if it comes at a higher cost. For us, long-term quality and sustainability take precedence over short-term gains.
As exploration progresses, we anticipate the potential need to expand processing capacity. Delivering successfully in this first phase is not just about production; it’s about proving Oman’s capabilities, earning trust and opening the door to future growth in regional and global mineral markets.

What are the next steps in the project, and where will MDO be in five years?
Our priority is to significantly expand our copper reserves to extend the life of mine and fully unlock the value of our processing facilities. Exploration is ongoing, and while we’ve identified promising resources, the next key step is converting them into confirmed reserves.
We are also working to develop our first rare-earth deposit, which will be a major milestone for Oman’s entry into the critical minerals space, and beyond upstream activities, we are actively investing in midstream and downstream projects to capture more value locally. This includes progressing the titanium dioxide plant and advancing plans for a magnesium metal production facility, both of which are strategic for import substitution, industrial diversification and creating high-quality jobs.
In five years, we see MDO as a fully integrated mining investment company, with a robust project portfolio, a presence across multiple segments of the value chain, and a strong contribution to Oman’s economic transformation.

 

Are you planning regional expansion?
We are pursuing regional expansion to position the company as a leading mining investment company beyond Oman. We have signed several MoUs to explore joint opportunities in critical minerals and are in discussions with various partners to evaluate high-potential projects. Our focus is on building responsible, scalable and mutually beneficial ventures that align with global demand and support sustainable economic growth.

How does the company see Oman competing in the global race for critical minerals?
Oman has a real opportunity to position itself as a key player in the global critical minerals landscape. At MDO, we’re actively advising national stakeholders – such as Future Fund Oman – on mining technologies that are increasingly subject to global export controls and supply chain constraints.
To stay competitive, Oman must act early by investing in opportunities and securing access to advanced extraction and processing technologies. If we delay, there’s a risk of being limited to the role of consumer in a rapidly evolving global supply chain. Our goal is to be a proactive investor, technology adopter and long-term partner in the development of critical mineral value chains.

How is MDO using technologies, and what do you seek in tech partnerships?
Technology is one of MDO’s core strategic pillars. In our journey, we’ve encountered instances where some providers were hesitant to share advanced exploration tools, which underscores the importance of being a first mover in securing access to critical technologies.
We are pursuing partnerships that give us access to cutting-edge exploration and data analytics tools to improve efficiency, reduce risk and increase discovery success rates. Our focus is on integrating innovation at every stage of the mining value chain, from exploration and remote sensing to processing and ESG monitoring.
One of our key initiatives includes deploying our own satellite for geological remote sensing, in collaboration with national partners. This capability will be further enhanced as Oman grows its satellite fleet, improving imaging frequency and resolution, and creating a powerful asset for mineral targeting and environmental monitoring.
From our tech partners, we seek more than tools. We look for long-term collaborators who are willing to co-develop solutions, localise capabilities and help position Oman as a regional hub for mining innovation.

What are your growth targets over the next five years?
Over the coming years, we anticipate significant growth driven by technological advancements and supportive government policies, particularly in areas such as electric vehicle battery manufacturing. MDO aims to attract strategic investors and establish joint ventures to capitalise on these emerging opportunities.
We also foresee substantial growth in copper production, with upstream developments potentially extending beyond Oman, while retaining downstream processing within the country to maximise local value creation. Our ambition is to scale MDO into a leading mining investment company, with a diversified portfolio and a strong presence across the entire value chain.

How important is trading to MDO’s overall strategy?
Trading is a central pillar of MDO’s long-term strategy. We are in the process of establishing Oman Minerals Trading Company, a fully owned subsidiary, to manage the marketing and export of mineral commodities. By regulatory mandate, minerals such as chromite and gypsum will not be exported without this company’s approval, ensuring a structured, transparent and value-driven trade.
This trading platform enables us to play a role in existing mining operations through offtake and equity participation, without directly operating the assets. It provides a flexible, capital-efficient model that supports regional expansion while generating stable revenue.
More broadly, the trading arm strengthens Oman’s position in global mineral supply chains and helps us gather strategic market intelligence while building pricing power and downstream linkages. It’s not just a commercial tool; it’s a strategic enabler of MDO’s investment and growth agenda.

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