Metkore Alloys to invest $80 million in Oman plant

India's Metkore Alloys and Industries is set to build a world class 165,000 tonnes per annum capacity ferro chrome smelter project in Oman with an envisaged investment of $80 million.

This is the third ferro chrome project coming up in Sohar free zone, local media reports said. The project work of Metkore is expected to start in October, with the completion of the work within 18 months.

According to reports, a land lease agreement was signed by Sheikh Sa'ad bin Mohammed Al Mardhouf Al Sa'adi, Chairman of Port of Sohar, and Prashant Boorugu, Managing Director of Metkore Alloys & Industries.

Metkore is negotiating with a well-established local firm for a joint venture agreement for the ferro chrome project, but no agreement has been signed so far.

The ferro chrome plant will become operational in 2014 and is expected to generate direct employment for about 500 people.

The company has already appointed consultants to carry out technical and environmental studies for the project.

Omanisation is the prime objective of the company and all efforts will be taken to train the local Omani nationals and appoint them to operate the plant profitably, it has said.

Further, the low grade chrome ore available in Oman will be beneficiated and put to gainful use thereby adding value to the mineral resources available in Oman.