Oman has signed an agreement with one of Central Asia’s leading gold producers to explore a copper and gold project in the north of the sultanate, Oman Daily reported on Tuesday, 7 July.

It is the first overseas exploration project for Kazakhstan’s Solidcore Resources, which may acquire up to 60% of the project if the next technical and financial milestones are met.

The site is located around 29 km from Sohar, a major port and industrial hub in northern Oman, on the Gulf of Oman. It contains copper and gold, but its commercial potential has not yet been established.

According to Oman Daily, the concession has already undergone drilling, geophysical surveys and geological studies, with results described as encouraging.

The next stage will involve further drilling and technical studies to better assess the available resources and determine whether mining could be commercially viable.

Copper is widely used in cables, power grids, construction, electric vehicles and industrial equipment. Global demand for the metal is being driven by the electrification of economies and infrastructure development.

The agreement allows Oman to bring an experienced foreign operator into a mining sector that remains small compared with oil and gas.