Minerals Development Oman (MDO), announced the start of the airborne survey for exploration of metallic minerals, which is conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and a number of government units. The survey aircraft started flying today over Masirah Island, as part of the first phase of the project.
Nasser Saif Al Maqbali, MDO’s CEO, said that the airborne survey on MDO’s concession areas aims to obtain geophysical and geological data, which will contribute to supporting the exploration of metallic minerals.
He added, “The first phase of the program will cover Masirah Island on an area of 658 square kilometers. The next phases will target big areas in a number of governorates, including North Al Batinah, South Al Batinah, A’Dhahirah, Al Buraimi, A’Dakhiliyah and North A’Sharqiyah. Last month, MDO conducted a mini-pilot program successfully over 14 days in Sohar in order to identify the potential challenges that the survey may face when it launches”.
The airborne survey is the first step in the exploration for metallic ores, which is expected to identify several potential sites. Excavation activities will continue in these sites by conducting geochemical studies, excavation works and other exploration activities.
It is worth mentioning that MDO signed an agreement in March 2022 with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals that grants MDO 12 concession areas. The move reflects the government’s directions aimed at promoting the mining sector for effective contribution into the national economic growth.
