Alara Unlocks Daris 3A5 Copper Potential with New Oman Mining License
Alara Resources has been awarded a mining license for the Daris 3A5 prospect in Oman, marking a key step in developing its second copper operation in the country. Historical drilling confirms high-grade copper mineralisation, with further exploration and planning underway.
- Second mining license awarded in Oman for Daris 3A5 prospect
- High-grade copper intercepts confirmed by historical drilling
- License granted after extensive regulatory approvals
- Next steps include geophysical surveys, diamond drilling, and metallurgical testing
- Strengthens Alara’s position in Oman’s growing mining sector
Strategic Milestone for Alara in Oman
Alara Resources Limited (ASX – AUQ) has secured a mining license for the Daris 3A5 prospect, part of its broader Daris Copper-Gold Project in Oman. This achievement represents the company’s second mining license in the Sultanate, reinforcing its growth strategy in a region rapidly evolving as a mining hub. The Daris 3A5 license covers a modest 0.65 square kilometres within the larger Block 7 exploration license area, approximately 150 kilometres west of Muscat.
Promising Historical Drilling Results
Between 2010 and 2012, Alara conducted diamond core drilling at Daris 3A5, confirming the presence of high-grade copper mineralisation. Notable intercepts include 3.45 metres at 10.28% copper, 17.2 metres at 8.05% copper, and 30.75 metres at 4.69% copper. These results, while encouraging, do not yet confirm economic mineralisation, and further exploration is required to delineate the deposit’s boundaries and potential.
Navigating a Complex Approval Process
The mining license was awarded following a rigorous approval process involving multiple government agencies, including the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, and consultations with local communities. The license area was slightly reduced due to environmental considerations, notably a nearby seasonal creek, underscoring the careful balance between development and environmental stewardship in Oman’s mining sector.
Next Steps Toward Development
With the license secured, Alara plans to advance exploration and development activities over the next year. This includes conducting detailed geophysical surveys to refine drill targets, further diamond drilling to define mineralisation extents, and metallurgical testwork to assess metal recoveries. Should results warrant, the company intends to prepare a JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate and progress mine planning and feasibility studies. Discussions are also underway regarding toll treatment arrangements with existing copper concentrators in Oman.
Strengthening Oman Mining Leadership
Alara’s Managing Director, Atmavireshwar Sthapak, highlighted the significance of the license award as a reaffirmation of the company’s commitment to Oman’s mining industry. The Daris 3A5 project is poised to become Alara’s second copper mining operation in the country, complementing its existing Al Wash-hi Majaza mine and processing facility. The joint venture structure with local partner Al Tamman Trading and Establishment LLC further embeds Alara’s strategic presence in the region.
While metallurgical testwork to date has been inconclusive, the company remains optimistic about unlocking further value from Daris 3A5. The license award not only advances Alara’s project pipeline but also signals confidence in Oman’s regulatory environment and mining potential.
Bottom Line?
Alara’s Daris 3A5 mining license award sets the stage for a critical growth phase, but the path to production hinges on upcoming exploration and resource definition.
Questions in the middle?
- Will further drilling confirm economically viable mineral resources at Daris 3A5?
- How will metallurgical testwork outcomes influence project development timelines?
- What impact will the pending Daris East mining license have on Alara’s Oman portfolio?
