Minerals Development Oman Company (MDO) has embarked on the redevelopment endeavor for the Lasil and Al Baydha copper mines situated in Block 4 of the wilayats of Sohar and Liwa.

The commencement of copper ore production from the Lasil mine is anticipated within the current year, while production from the Al Baydha mine is slated to initiate in 2026. Upon completion of the project, these mines are projected to achieve an impressive production capacity of 800,000 tonnes of copper ore annually. The initial phase of the project is anticipated to span four years, considering the existing reserves.

MDO asserts that the redevelopment of the Lasil and Al Baydha mines marks its inaugural venture into the realm of copper mining. This milestone follows extensive exploration programs conducted by MDO in 2022, which unveiled the presence of promising commercial reserves of copper ore estimated at approximately 2.78 million tonnes in Block 4, a segment of Oman Mining Company's geological assets. The project will entail a series of phases, encompassing mobilization and construction activities at the mines, open-pit mining operations, and subsequent commencement of processing and concentration activities.

In parallel, the company is actively pursuing exploration campaigns in the surrounding areas with the aim of securing additional reserves and extending the production period. The redevelopment project for the Lasil and Al Baydha copper mines signifies the commencement of a significant journey encompassing a series of mining initiatives, representing a pivotal stride towards revitalizing Oman's copper mining industry. This endeavor is poised to cater to the global demand for copper while concurrently bolstering domestic industries.

The project seeks to augment local value addition and optimize value chains through collaborative efforts and partnerships with the private sector. MDO has engaged a national contractor for project execution, while the processing contract has been entrusted to Mawarid Mining for processing copper ore at its concentrator situated in Wadi Al Jizzi, Sohar. This initiative underscores MDO's steadfast commitment to nurturing Oman's mining sector through commendable public-private collaborations.

Following the transfer of Oman Mining Company to the group, MDO has embarked on the implementation of an ambitious turnaround strategy aimed at rejuvenating the company and harnessing the potential of its previously untapped geological assets. The redevelopment of the Lasil and Al Baydha copper mines project stands as a significant milestone in this turnaround strategy. This comprehensive approach seeks to enhance the company's financial performance, leverage its human resources and technical expertise, and reinstate Oman Mining Company's esteemed position in the copper industry markets.