Green copper production commences in Oman

June 25, 2025

Imran Shaikh, managing director of Green Tech Mining & Services, talks to The Energy Year about the company’s recently commissioned Arjaa Tailings Processing Calibration Plant (ATPCP). Green Tech Mining & Services remediates tailings, treats acid mine drainage waters and processes leaching deposits of stripping, overburden and low-grade ore stockpiles to produce valuable metals.

Could you tell us about the recently commissioned ATPCP?
Since 2022, we’ve been developing this project, and in January 2025, we proudly commissioned the ATPCP. This pilot plant is a precursor to our large-scale operation, which is set to begin construction in Q4 2025. The ATPCP is designed to produce green copper cathode from legacy mine water and tailings, and we’ve already produced our first copper cathode from the mine-water stream.
We are finalising the second phase of the calibration project, which processes solid tailings. Full operations for both streams begin June 2, 2025. Though small, producing 50 tonnes of green copper cathode annually, it’s essential for understanding Oman’s different types of mine tailings.
For example, Arjaa has 12 million tonnes while partners such as Mawarid Mining have another 6 million. This diversity helps us calibrate and optimise the design of our main plant, which is scheduled for completion by Q4 2026.

How is this project being financed?
This is being funded through green bonds certified by Austria’s Ministry of Climate Affairs and Energy. This is not just a financial milestone for us: It’s a global first. While companies such as BHP have issued green bonds for renewable energy, our bonds are the first in the world applied specifically to mine-tailings remediation. The project is also the first in the GCC region’s mining sector to be funded by green bonds.
Copper has recently been added to the list of critical minerals due to its role in the energy transition, which makes our initiative even more relevant. We aim to close the projected global copper supply gap through tailings remediation.

What markets are you looking at for international expansion?
Green Tech Mining & Services is actively exploring international markets with strong potential for sustainable tailings remediation, circular economy integration and critical mineral recovery. Our focus is on regions with legacy mining challenges, supportive regulatory environments and opportunities for green financing. We aim to expand through strategic partnerships, technology deployment and ESG-aligned project models that replicate our success in Oman.

 

How do you differentiate yourselves in the mining sector?
We’re pioneering a model where a public-private partnership addresses legacy mine waste remediation. The company is a joint venture: 49% is owned by Oman Mining Company, and 51% is owned by BPG Precious Metals. Our model is not just about cleaning up tailings; it’s about sustainable, circular mining.
We’ve spent the last three years drilling and sampling to validate the economic feasibility of this approach. That up-front investment enables our current progress. Our processes are also certified green, and we use solar energy (60% of ATPCP’s power) and a nature-based wastewater treatment system. We also use a low-carbon hydrometallurgical process to improve energy and chemical efficiency.

Can you tell us more about the green copper you’re producing?
“Green copper” is produced through circular processes, using legacy waste and renewable energy. Our initial cathodes were created from mine water in January 2025. Though there’s no official LME [London Metal Exchange] pricing specification yet for green copper, a market premium is expected as volume increases.
We have an existing offtake agreement with Traxys and are receiving strong interest from additional offtakers. As market awareness increases, the value and sustainability of green copper will become more widely recognised.

Are there plans to supply this copper to the local Omani market?
Yes. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion is keen to enhance in-country value. We are currently in discussions with Oman Cables and Nuhas Oman to explore domestic rod production, aiming to localise the entire green copper lifecycle, from tailings to finished rod.

What growth do you expect in the next five years?
We currently manage around 18 million tonnes of copper tailings, with a production target of 12,000 tonnes of green copper cathode per year. In the next five years, we’ll maintain this output while developing new tailings streams. Post-2030, we anticipate a 27–30% growth rate from new tailings sources.

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