Oman`s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion recently announced a public-private partnership (PPP) to launch the Naqa Salt Project in Wilayat Mahout. The strategic collaboration is worth OMR 13.4 million (USD 34.8 million) and was agreed by Minerals Development Oman (MDO) and Dev Salt. As a result, the enterprise is set to become the largest industrial salt production initiative in the region. Notably, the signing took place in collaboration with the Invest in Oman platform.
Partnership Will Use Sustainable Solar Powered Technology
The innovative scheme is located along the Arabian Sea in Mahout, Al Wusta Governorate. Moreover, it is within MDO’s 51k concession area and capitalises on ideal conditions for solar evaporation. Importantly, its proximity to Duqm Port further strengthens its export competitiveness to key global markets. In particular, those markets relying on inputs including bromine, caustic soda and soda ash. The partnership will utilise sustainable, solar-powered evaporation technology to produce high-purity bromine-rich industrial salt.
Public Private Partnership (PPP) Aligned with Oman Vision 2040
The partnership stands as a practical PPP model and will advance the mining sector’s alignment with Oman’s economic diversification goals by attracting sustainable, clean-energy-driven investments. It also opens new pathways for SMEs to play a vital role in the national value chain. Accordingly, this aligns with the objectives of the Invest Oman platform which seeks to attract high-impact investments in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Naqa Project To Produce 2 Million Tonnes of Salt Annually
Global demand for industrial salt is expected to exceed 372 million tonnes by 2027 and the Naqa project will produce 2 million tonnes annually. Its evaporation ponds will span approximately 109 square kilometres and will yield 99% pure salt. As a result, vital sectors including chemicals, oil and gas, logistics, food and pharmaceuticals will be serviced. The project is targeting diversified international markets including Europe, Asia and Africa. Further benefits will see the project offer environmental value. Its evaporation ponds will create habitats that attract migratory birds and marine life, laying the groundwork for potential eco-tourism development.
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