Muscat, Feb 6 (ONA) — The Sultanate produced minerals worth over RO 142.2 million during the year 2014, according to data on mineral production published in the Statistical Year Book 2015 by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). NCSI is yet to issue figures for 2015.
Over the three years of 2012-2014, the total value of minerals produced in the Sultanate showed a continued decline with corresponding figures being 159.7 million, 146.6 million and RO 142.2 million.
During 2014, the Sultanate exported its entire production of 2300 ton of copper cathodes earning revenues of RO 6.1 million. Also, 165 kg of gold and 3285 kg of silver valued respectively at over RO 2.5 million and RO 732,000 were sold by the Oman Mining Company in the same year, the report said.
During the period, production of marbles rose to 1.56 million tons valued at RO 21.7 million as against 1.25 million ton worth RO 18 million produced in year 2013. The Sultanate produced 8.72 million ton limestone worth RO 9.9 million in 2014, with corresponding figures for 2013 being 5.48 million ton valued at RO 7.8 million.
As much as 3.38 million ton of gypsum worth RO 5 million, and 751,200 ton of chromite valued at RO 22.8 million were also produced in 2014. Laterite production reached 753,100 ton valued at RO 2.2 million while quartz production touched 282,900 ton valued at RO 1.1 million.
During the period, the Sultanate produced 72,100 ton copper worth over RO 22.5 million and 37,500 ton manganese worth RO 417,800 while kaolin production exceeded 66,600 ton valued RO 199,800.
Other minerals produced in 2014 include 12,900 ton salt (RO 451,000), 305,400 ton mud (RO 1.6 million) and 60,200 ton sand dune (RO 150,500).
— Ends/HG/KH
