Oman Launches Tender for First Dedicated Minerals Seaport

MUSCAT, OMAN - Minerals Development Oman (MDO), the Sultanate’s state-backed mining investment company, has launched a tender for the construction of the Al Shuwaymiyah Port, a major new deepwater minerals export facility that is expected to become Oman’s first dedicated seaport for industrial minerals.

Located on Oman’s southeastern coastline overlooking the Arabian Sea in the Wilayat of Shaleem and Al Hallaniyat Islands in Dhofar Governorate, the greenfield port is being developed to support the export of gypsum, limestone, and dolomite from some of the country’s largest mineral reserves.

The project represents a significant milestone in Oman’s efforts to expand its mining sector, diversify export infrastructure, and strengthen the contribution of non-oil industries to the national economy.

MDO has invited qualified local and international marine contractors to submit proposals for the Design & Build package covering the development of the bulk minerals terminal. Interested companies have until September 6, 2026, to participate in the tender process.

When completed, tentatively targeted for the first half of 2029, Al Shuwaymiyah Port is expected to establish Oman as a major global supplier of industrial minerals and provide a dedicated export gateway for mining activities in the country’s southern region.

Announcing the tender, Mattar bin Salim Al Badi, CEO of MDO, stated: “Al Shuwaymiyah Port is set to become a landmark infrastructure addition to Oman’s southern coast, a new maritime gateway to the Sultanate of Oman. Minerals Development Oman SAOC (MDO) is proud to be driving this project forwards”.

The port forms part of a broader strategy to unlock substantial mineral reserves located across three mining concessions spanning approximately 1,500 square kilometres in the Wilayat of Shaleem and Al Hallaniyat Islands.

According to MDO, these concessions contain an estimated 520 million tonnes of gypsum, 1.3 billion tonnes of dolomite, and 2.5 billion tonnes of limestone, providing a significant resource base to support long-term export activity and industrial development.

The project gained additional momentum in November 2025 when MDO entered into a partnership with Indian ports operator JSW Infrastructure through its subsidiary JSW Overseas FZE.

Under a Share Subscription and Purchase Agreement signed by both parties, a special purpose vehicle named South Minerals Port Company SAOC, also known as Al Shuwaymiyah Port Company SAOC, was established to oversee the development and operation of the port.

The ownership structure allocates a 51% stake to JSW Infrastructure and 49% to MDO.

Total capital expenditure for the project has been estimated at approximately $409 million, with the facility designed to handle up to 27 million tonnes of minerals annually once fully operational.

The new export hub is expected to significantly reduce reliance on Oman’s northern ports for mineral exports while enhancing Dhofar’s position as an emerging mining, logistics, and industrial centre.

Industry observers also expect the development to stimulate broader economic activity across southern Oman through investments in downstream manufacturing, logistics services, transportation infrastructure, and employment opportunities.

As one of the largest mining-related infrastructure projects currently under development in the Sultanate, Al Shuwaymiyah Port is anticipated to play a central role in supporting Oman Vision 2040 objectives aimed at economic diversification and the expansion of high-value industrial sectors.