Sohar Titanium, Oman’s first titanium slag production project, has officially moved into the production phase following the start-up of its first electric arc furnace at Sohar Freezone.
The RO63.5mn project marks a major step in the Sultanate’s efforts to establish a presence in the global titanium supply chain and strengthen downstream mineral processing industries under Oman Vision 2040.
Yusuf bin Abdullah Al Balushi, acting CEO of Sohar Titanium, confirmed that operations have commenced at the facility’s first furnace, according to the Oman Observer. The furnace has an annual production capacity of 50,000 tonnes.
“We have started operating the first of our three furnaces. The furnace that has been commissioned has a capacity of 50,000 tonnes and so far we are proceeding according to schedule,” Al Balushi said in a project update.
He added that the remaining two furnaces would be commissioned in stages, with the facility expected to reach its full annual production capacity of 150,000 tonnes by the end of 2026.
“By the end of 2026, we expect to have completed and operated all the furnaces and begin exports to overseas customers interested in titanium metal,” he said.
The development is being undertaken by Sohar Titanium (FZC) LLC, a joint venture involving Dubal Holding LLC, Minerals Development Oman (MDO) and TI International through Gulf Titanium DMCC.
Dubal Holding, the Dubai Government’s commodities and industrial investment arm, holds a 65% stake in the venture, while MDO owns the remaining 35%.
Titanium slag is produced through the processing of ilmenite ore in electric arc furnaces and is mainly used in the manufacture of titanium dioxide, a white pigment widely used in paints, plastics, paper, coatings and consumer products.
The remaining titanium output can be processed into titanium sponge and titanium metal, materials valued for their strength, low weight and corrosion resistance.
Al Balushi described titanium as a highly specialised material used across several advanced industries, including aerospace, defence, submarine manufacturing, medical technologies and space applications.
He also revealed that industrial buyers from China, Japan, Europe and the United States have already shown interest in sourcing titanium products from the Sohar facility.
The project is expected to contribute to Oman’s industrial diversification strategy by supporting value-added mining activities, boosting exports and creating opportunities within the country’s growing metals and minerals sector.
Located within Sohar Freezone, the facility also benefits from direct access to regional logistics and export infrastructure, positioning Oman to compete more effectively in international titanium markets.
Sohar Titanium begins production in Oman
