National Mining Company LLC (NMC), a subsidiary of MB Holding Company and based in Oman, was established with the mission to explore opportunities in mining initially in Oman and later on internationally. Established in 1997, NMC is the first private sector mining company in Oman and is currently implementing a project for development of mining and processing of copper and gold deposits in Oman.

In 2000, NMC was granted a license by the government of Oman for the exploration of Block-1 at Hatta and Shinas in the highly prospective Sohar region in Northern Oman. After several years of extensive exploration work, NMC discovered commercial resources and in 2003 completed a detailed feasibility study through external consultants that reaffirmed the geological resources and the commercial viability of the project. NMC then decided to implement the project under a favourable world environment, taking advantage of strong commodity prices, which makes this development very attractive with low capital outlay and high returns.
 
The project deposits (Hatta and Shinas) are strategically located about 50 kms north from Sohar close to the main highway between Oman and UAE. The Lasail concentrator and an associated smelter and refinery complex is located about 80 kms along well-maintained sealed road from the deposits and 20 kms from west of Sohar.

NMC invested aggressively in Block-1 project by procuring mining equipment, developing mine site for mining operations and refurbishment of an existing concentrator at Lasail, Sohar for processing of copper ore to produce concentrate. The project also included treatment and disposal of tailings from processing plant to a suitable site. Project went ahead and achieved the target of Commencement of Copper concentrate production in 2007.

Oman Mining Company LLC (a government owned entity) and Overseas Buyers are NMC customers for buying Copper concentrate.

NMC’s initial exploration was primarily focused on easily defined outcropping deposits and based on these exploration, the reserves currently delineated in feasibility study are estimated to support 3-1/2 to 4 years of project life. However, NMC is continuing to explore further resources, as well as extend the known resources at its current developments. Recent drilling results at its Hatta and Shinas deposits have shown favourable results, which, when resource modeling is complete, will result in higher reported resources and reserves.

The second exploration license for Ghuzayn area was provided to NMC in June 2005. Exploration work at Ghuzayn is continuing, with the results indicating a modestly sized, lower grade resource. This project has strategic importance to Oman in terms of developing the mining industry in Oman and will in turn benefit local subcontractors and provide employment to the Omani citizens in the vicinity of the project.

For more information, visit www.natmin.com