National Mining Company LLC (NMC) was formed in 1997. In the year 2000, NMC was granted a license by the Government of Oman for the exploration of Block-1 at Ajib-Shinas, in the highly prospective Sohar Region of Oman. By 2003, two economic copper deposits were found and feasibility studies were undertaken and completed in 2004. The results of these studies indicated that viable copper mine operations are feasible in the Sohar region. NMC purchased the Oman Mining Company (OMCO) concentrator in March 2005 and commenced refurbishment of the plant in the same year. Mine site preparation also commenced and further exploration ground at Ghuzayn was granted to the company. NMC made significant progress in 2006 as the company started mining at Hatta in August 2006.