Oman’s Ministry of Energy & Minerals (MEMR) has offered four mining concessions in the sultanate to investors.

Local and international mining firms have until 31 March next year to submit their applications for the four concession areas, the MEMR announced on its Taqa platform.

Block 11D is spread across 1,084 square kilometres (sq km) in Al-Buraimi governorate, and is estimated to hold reserves of copper, gold, silver, chromite, basalt and gabbro.

Block 14B covers 2,673 sq km in Al-Batinah South governorate, and is estimated to hold reserves of copper, gold, silver, chromite, basalt and gabbro.

Block 22E is spread across 810 sq km in Al-Sharqiyah North governorate, and is estimated to hold reserves of copper, gold, silver, chromite, basalt and gabbro.

Block 51H is the largest concession on offer, spanning 4,181 sq km in Al-Wusta governorate. The block is estimated to hold reserves of silica, salt and kaolin.

The offering of the four concession areas comes within weeks of the MEMR awarding exploration rights for three mining concessions in the sultanate to two Omani firms, securing investments worth more than $500m in the process.