Mazoon Mining, a subsidiary of Minerals Development Oman (MDO), has officially broken ground on the Mazoon copper project in the Wilayat of Yanqul, located in Al Dhahirah Governorate, marking a significant milestone in Oman’s mining sector.
The Mazoon copper project is poised to become Oman’s largest integrated copper concentrate initiative, covering an expansive 20 square kilometers and holding estimated reserves of 22.9 million tonnes of copper ore.
Key features of the project
- The project will feature five open-pit mines and a processing plant spanning 56,000 square meters, designed to process 2.5 million tonnes of copper ore annually.
- Construction of the processing plant is set to begin in the first quarter of 2025, with full operations expected to commence in the first quarter of 2027.
- Once operational, the plant is projected to produce 115,000 tonnes of copper concentrate per year at a grade of 21.5%.
Sustainable mining practices
The project will incorporate sustainable practices, including a zero-water discharge system to recycle treated water and advanced waste management systems aimed at preserving air quality and protecting groundwater resources.
Ongoing and Future Developments
MDO is also redeveloping copper mines in the Wilayats of Sohar and Liwa, with plans to extract 800,000 tonnes of copper ore annually from these areas. Copper ore extraction from Block 4 in Sohar began in 2024, and MDO continues to explore its 23,644 square kilometer concession area.
Strategic partnerships
For the Mazoon Copper Project, Canadian firm Lycopodium has been appointed to provide engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) services.
With its significant reserves and integrated approach to copper mining, the Mazoon Copper Project is set to play a pivotal role in boosting Oman’s mining sector and its economic growth in the coming years.
