UK-Based Firm Discovers New Copper Mineralization in Oman’s Block 8
UK-based mining exploration company Power Metal Resources PLC announced on Thursday that it has uncovered new copper mineralization in Block 8, located in the North Al Batinah Governorate of Oman. The discovery, made by its majority-held subsidiary Power Arabia Ltd, is part of the Awtad Project within a 498 km² concession extending approximately 130 km north of Muscat City.
The find signals a potentially significant copper deposit, enhancing Oman's growing role as a producer and exporter of this critical commodity. The Block 8 concession is currently held by a partnership between Australian exploration firm Alara Resources Ltd and Awtad Copper LLC of Oman. In September last year, Power Metal signed a provisional agreement to acquire a 12.5% stake in the Awtad Copper project.
“We’re pleased to share an update on our ongoing exploration at Block 8 in Oman, where our majority-held subsidiary Power Arabia is making meaningful strides. Recent fieldwork has identified new copper mineralization, reinforcing the project’s potential as a key focus for Power Metal Resources,” the UK firm stated.
Power Metal CEO Sean Wade added, “We continue to explore multiple avenues for a long-term funding solution for the Power Arabia business and look forward to updating shareholders in due course. The exploration work conducted to date on Block 8 has progressed extremely well, with the early identification of significant new copper mineralization in the southern part of the concession.”
The company noted that its technical team has gained a strong understanding of the geology and mineralization controls, supported by five Omani graduate geologists, contributing to a robust in-country team.
For Alara Resources, which has multiple copper mining interests in Oman, this latest discovery strengthens its investment portfolio in the Sultanate. “It is truly exciting to see new locations of copper mineralization being discovered, further enhancing confidence in the previously identified Al Mansur prospect in the Block. Alara is committed to intensifying exploration activities in the block and looks forward to continuing our cooperation with Power Metals,” said Atmavireshwar Sthapak, Alara’s Managing Director.
The announcement coincides with increased copper exploration, production, and export activities in Oman. Key players in the sector include Minerals Development Oman (MDO), the mining investment arm of Oman Investment Authority (OIA), along with subsidiaries Mawarid Mining and Mazoon Mining, Oman Mining Company, Green Tech Mining Services, and Al Hadeetha Resources.
