Oman and Türkiye have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening Oman-Türkiye economic cooperation in the mining and minerals sectors. The agreement was finalized during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent visit to Muscat, marking a new phase of collaboration between the two nations. It sets the stage for shared investment, innovation, and sustainable development in critical mineral exploration.
The MoU was signed by Oman’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, Eng. Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, and Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar. The signing ceremony brought together key officials from both nations who emphasized the strategic importance of expanding joint ventures in energy and mining.
Bayraktar stated that the agreement aims to deepen collaboration between the public and private sectors of both countries. He noted that strengthening Oman-Türkiye economic cooperation will encourage knowledge exchange in earth sciences, mineral exploration, and production. Through this partnership, both sides seek to turn strategic discussions into real projects that deliver tangible economic benefits.
Under the agreement, Oman and Türkiye will share data about mining license areas and current investment opportunities. The two governments also plan to promote joint exploration projects, focusing on critical minerals and industrial resources. Moreover, they will exchange expertise in geological studies and mining technology to boost efficiency and innovation in both markets.
Oman is rapidly emerging as a major player in critical minerals, including copper, chromite, silica, and other industrial materials. The country is also exploring new opportunities in lithium, cobalt, and rare-earth elements. With this new collaboration, Oman can leverage Türkiye’s vast experience in mining to accelerate production and attract global investors.
Additionally, the Oman-Türkiye Joint Investment Fund, launched in July with $500 million in capital, will play a key role in financing these ventures. The fund will prioritize mining, metals, petrochemicals, food production, and logistics. Furthermore, the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) in Oman has partnered with Türkiye’s Gebze Organized Industrial Zone (GOSB) to adapt Turkish industrial models within the Special Economic Zone at Duqm.
This partnership also complements earlier agreements in the energy sector. Both countries have already cooperated on oil, gas, renewable energy, and green hydrogen initiatives. In July, Türkiye’s state-owned Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) signed an agreement with Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals and OQ Exploration and Production New Ventures (OQEP) to explore new upstream energy projects.
By combining Türkiye’s technical expertise with Oman’s rich natural resources, both countries are laying the foundation for sustainable growth. The new MoU reflects a shared vision of innovation, resilience, and mutual development. Most importantly, it highlights the growing commitment to strengthening Oman-Türkiye economic cooperation and shaping a prosperous future for both nations.
