Saturday 20 / June / 2026
MUSCAT— Oman's salt industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with large-scale industrial projects and downstream manufacturing investments positioning the sector as a growing contributor to the country's mining and industrial development.
The sector is increasingly focused on producing high-purity industrial and food-grade salt, while also expanding into value-added products derived from salt flats, including bromine, caustic soda, soda ash and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These developments are expected to enhance the economic value of the country's salt resources and create new industrial investment opportunities.
According to 2025 data, Oman produced approximately 40,000 tonnes of salt, with around 30,000 tonnes exported to international markets and 10,000 tonnes consumed domestically. The figures highlight strong demand for Omani salt abroad while reflecting growing local consumption from industries such as oil and gas, food processing and chemicals.
The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has awarded four mining concession areas for marine salt production along the coast of Al Wusta Governorate. The projects represent investments exceeding $1 billion and are expected to achieve a combined production capacity of around 5 million tonnes annually, alongside the establishment of related manufacturing industries. Additional salt concession areas are also planned for future development.
Modern salt projects in Oman rely on advanced technical studies and scientific analysis of coastal environments before the construction of evaporation ponds designed to maximize production efficiency and quality.
Engineer Saud bin Khamis Al Mahrouqi, Director General of Minerals at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, said industrial minerals, including salt, represent a strategic resource for local, regional and global markets.
He noted that Omani salt benefits from several competitive advantages, including product quality, a strategic geographic location, favorable climatic conditions for natural evaporation and opportunities to expand value-added manufacturing industries.
Al Mahrouqi emphasized that salt projects deliver social as well as economic benefits by creating opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises in transportation, logistics, supplies and support services. These activities help generate local economic growth in communities surrounding production sites.
He added that the sector is creating employment opportunities for Omani nationals in engineering, geology, operations management, maintenance, quality control, safety and logistics as the industry shifts from traditional production methods to modern, technology-driven operations.
Salt remains one of Oman's promising mineral resources, with the industry evolving from small-scale traditional production into a modern sector built on large mining concessions, advanced technologies and integrated extraction, manufacturing and export operations.
Commercial activity in marine salt and evaporated surface salt production is concentrated primarily in Al Wusta Governorate, which hosts six mining concession areas. The region's extensive coastline, strong winds, suitable evaporation conditions, proximity to oil and gas operations and access to strategic ports have made it the country's leading hub for salt production.
The sector is also advancing sustainability goals. Many projects utilize natural solar evaporation processes, reducing energy consumption, while some concession holders have incorporated renewable energy sources into their operations. Companies are also implementing environmental monitoring, rehabilitation programs and carefully engineered evaporation basin designs to minimize environmental impacts and support long-term sustainability.
With growing investments, expanded production capacity and a stronger focus on value-added manufacturing, Oman is positioning its salt industry as an increasingly important pillar of economic diversification and industrial growth.
