Oman is edging closer to a landmark industrial milestone as the Sohar Titanium project — one of the Gulf’s most ambitious mineral-processing ventures — enters its final stretch. With construction now 90 per cent complete, the RO63.5 million ($165 million) facility is moving beyond the build phase and toward operational reality, signalling a major step in the sultanate’s drive to strengthen its industrial base, deepen value-added manufacturing and establish itself as a strategic hub in the global titanium supply chain.
Strategically located in the Sohar Freezone, the project is a high-profile joint venture between Dubal Holding, Minerals Development Oman (MDO), and the Austria-based Stork Group. In a major operational milestone that signals a shift from heavy construction to early-stage production, the facility has successfully commissioned the first of its three electric arc furnaces. It also reflects the significance of the project in reinforcing the titanium value chain in the Gulf region, while strengthening Oman and the UAE’s position as competitive players in the global titanium industry.
Beyond the engineering feat, the project stands out as a masterclass in modern industrial execution. The partners achieved this 90 per cent milestone while maintaining an impeccable safety record, clocking 5.6 million man-hours without a single lost time injury (LTI).
Ahmad Hamad Bin Fahad, CEO of DUBAL Holding, remarks: “It is a proud moment for us and our partners having achieved 90 per cent completion of our Sohar Titanium project, with the facility entering its final phase.
“Another key milestone we achieved is the commissioning of one out of three furnaces, along with a safety record of completing 5.6 million man-hours without any lost time injury. This reflects our commitment, expertise and strategic partnership that has resulted in the accomplishment of this development. Moving towards the final phase, the project is set to be a transformative industrial asset for the Gulf region, as it has the potential to drive economic diversification, strengthen the titanium value chain, further reinforcing our commitment to sustainable industrial development.”
The foundation stone for the Sohar Titanium project was laid in November 2022.
Spanning an impressive 120,000 sq m, the facility is built to become a powerhouse in regional processing. The three-furnace configuration is engineered for maximum output and efficiency. The Sohar Titanium project is designed to produce 150,000 tonnes of titanium slag annually by leveraging its three-furnace configuration, with 50,000 tonnes per furnace. The facility’s titanium slag will be utilised as a key raw material across diverse industries, including aerospace, healthcare, automotive, construction, and manufacturing.