The project, led by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), has entered the tender stage, with international consulting firms invited to submit bids by July 14, 2026. The selected consultant will be responsible for preparing feasibility and market studies, investment strategies, regulatory frameworks, as well as the detailed master plan and advanced engineering designs.
The Green Metals Zone, which will form the core of the project, is expected to focus on the production of low-carbon iron, steel and aluminium using renewable energy and green hydrogen. Planned developments include Jindal Steel's 5 million-tonne-per-year hydrogen-ready DRI/HBI complex, Meranti Green Steel's green iron project, and several green aluminium projects currently under evaluation. The initiative aims to establish an integrated value chain spanning green hydrogen production, DRI/HBI, and steelmaking.
The Green Manufacturing Zone will support value added industries such as steel and aluminium fabrication, renewable energy equipment, industrial machinery, automotive manufacturing, green chemicals and hydrogen-derived products. By leveraging Duqm's expanding green hydrogen ecosystem together with its port and logistics infrastructure, the zone is expected to attract manufacturers seeking low carbon supply chains.
The third component, the Silica Zone, will focus on processing Oman's high-purity silica resources into higher value products, including solar glass, specialty glass, fiberglass, ferrosilicon and silicon-based materials. By integrating mineral processing, energy transition technologies and advanced manufacturing within a single industrial ecosystem, the project aims to position Duqm as a regional hub for low-carbon metals and clean technology industries.
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