Minerals Development Oman (MDO) has announced a significant leap forward for the Sultanate's mining sector with the signing of a strategic shareholders agreement with Dev Salt to develop the Naqa Salt Project in Wilayat Mahout. Poised to become the largest industrial salt production initiative in the region, this ambitious undertaking underscores Oman's commitment to harnessing its natural resources for sustainable economic growth.

Strategically situated within MDO's expansive 51,000 square kilometer concession area in Mahout, Al Wusta Governorate, the project capitalizes on the region's ideal natural sabkha formations and abundant sunshine along the Arabian Sea. This prime location offers optimal conditions for efficient solar evaporation, a cornerstone of the project's sustainable approach. Furthermore, its proximity to the burgeoning Duqm Port will significantly enhance its export capabilities, facilitating access to crucial global markets that rely on industrial salt to produce bromine, caustic soda, and soda ash.

The Naqa Salt Project will leverage cutting-edge, solar-powered evaporation technology to produce high-purity, bromine-rich industrial salt (sodium chloride) in substantial quantities. This environmentally conscious methodology aligns with MDO's vision for responsible resource development and long-term sustainability.

Mattar Al Badi, CEO of MDO, emphasized the strategic importance of the project, stating, "Naqa Salt represents a significant step for Oman's mining sector, establishing the region's largest facility for high-grade industrial salt production. Leveraging Mahout's unique natural sabkha formations, the project embodies a forward-thinking, eco-conscious approach to resource development. It reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainable growth and long-term economic and environmental impact."

With a substantial planned investment of OMR 13.4 million, the Naqa Salt Project aims for an impressive annual production capacity of 2 million tonnes of industrial salt. The extensive network of evaporation ponds will span approximately 109 square kilometers, yielding salt with a purity level of up to 99%. This high-grade product is ideally suited for critical industries including chemicals, oil and gas, logistics, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. The project has targeted diversified international markets, including India, Africa, Europe, and Asia, to meet growing global demand.

Hirendrasingh Jhala, Chairman of Dev Global, expressed his company's enthusiasm for the partnership, commenting, "We are honored to partner with MDO on this ambitious and strategically important project. Building on Dev Salt's expertise in delivering large-scale salt ventures across India and global markets, we are confident in the project's ability to meet growing demand while supporting industrial resilience and supply chain security in this key sector."

The Naqa Salt Project arrives at a crucial time, with global demand for industrial salt projected to exceed 372 million tonnes by 2027. This initiative positions Oman as a future leader in industrial salt production within the region, contributing significantly to the national economy and bolstering its presence in global supply chains.