MDO marks groundbreaking for redevelopment project at copper mines

MDO marks groundbreaking for redevelopment project at copper mines

SUHAR: Minerals Development Oman Company (MDO) celebrated on Monday the groundbreaking ceremony for redeveloping the Lasil and Al Baydha copper mines in Block 4 of the Wilayats of Sohar and Liwa.The event was held under the auspices of Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals.The redevelopment of the Lasil and Al Baydha mines is the MDO's first copper mine project; resulted from the intensive exploration programmes carried out by MDO in 2022 revealed the potential of commercial reserves of copper ore estimated at approximately 2.78 million tonnes in Block 4, part of Oman Mining Company geological assets.The project will encompass a series of phases, including the mobilisation and construction of the mines, open-pit mining operations and then the commencement of processing and concentration operations. The production of copper ore from the Lasil mine is anticipated to begin this year, while production from the Al Baydha mine is expected to commence in 2026.The project aims to produce approximately 800,000 tonnes of copper ore per annum. The project's initial phase is expected to last four years based on the current reserves. However, the company is progressing exploration campaign at the surrounding areas to hopefully secure new reserves