Oman: A geological survey undertaken by Minerals Development Oman (MDO) in Shaleem has uncovered ‘large’ local gypsum reserves. The Muscat Daily newspaper has reported that MDO CEO Nasser al Maqbali said that the reserves would contribute to the continued steady growth of Omani crude gypsum’s stake in the global gypsum market. Maqbali added that the resource is characterised by high purity, competitive prices and proximity to consumer markets.
MDO previously discovered 15Mt-worth of gypsum reserves in Wadi Al Jizi, from which it will supply 1Mt/yr of gypsum to the local steel industry. Uses of limestone in the steel sector include flue gas desulphurisation (FGD), which produces synthetic gypsum.
