Harnessing Oman's Basalt Resources for Economic Diversification: A Strategic Roadmap for High-Value Manufacturing and Clean Energy Applications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70917/fce-2026-009Abstract
In line with its Vision 2040 goals for economic diversification, the Sultanate of Oman holds extensive but largely untapped basalt reserves. This study presents a screening-level techno-economic analysis and strategic roadmap for transforming this indigenous resource from a low-value commodity into a cornerstone of a high-value and sustainable industrial ecosystem. The research methodology integrates a quantitative analysis of Oman's current basalt sector with a formal comparative economic model to quantify the potential for value addition. The study highlights a stark economic contrast: exporting raw basalt earns only about $7.30 per tonne, while converting it into Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) rebar can generate over $2,500 per tonne. The analysis shows a conservative value increase of more than 300 times, with a preliminary Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) demonstrating that BFRP significantly outperforms traditional steel economically in infrastructure projects. It also confirms that Omani basalt from the Samail Ophiolite is exceptionally well-suited for producing advanced fibers. Furthermore, this paper identifies and discusses a parallel strategic opportunity for Oman to leverage these same geological formations for large-scale, permanent carbon sequestration with the potential for clean hydrogen co-generation. The paper concludes by proposing a phased strategic roadmap for Oman, recommending the prioritized development of an integrated BFRP rebar value chain while initiating research into basalt-based climate technologies, thereby positioning the Sultanate as a future regional leader in both advanced green materials and the global energy transition.
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