Minerals Development Oman (MDO) has signed a shareholders’ agreement with India’s Dev Salt to jointly develop the upcoming Naqa Salt Project in Mahout, Al Wusta—set to become the region’s largest industrial salt production facility. Backed by an investment of $35M, the project will produce up to 2 million tonnes of high-purity, bromine-rich salt annually, using solar-powered evaporation technology over a 109 km² area.
Situated within MDO’s 51K concession along the Arabian Sea and strategically close to Duqm Port, the project is primed for exports to global markets in Asia, Africa, Europe, and India, particularly serving sectors like chemicals, oil and gas, logistics, and pharmaceuticals.
Omani officials have hailed the venture as a model for public-private collaboration, aligning with national goals for economic diversification, clean energy adoption, and SME development. MDO CEO Eng. Mattar al Badi emphasized the project’s environmental and economic value, while Dev Global Chairman Hirendrasingh Jhala expressed confidence in delivering a globally competitive supply hub.
As global demand for industrial salt is expected to surpass 372 million tonnes by 2027, the Naqa Salt Project positions Oman as a major regional producer—with biodiversity and potential eco-tourism benefits emerging as added gains from the vast evaporation pond system.
