Naif Al-Awaid

To ensure sustained growth in the long term, Kunooz Oman Holding will focus on financial security, safety, environmental preservation, human development, and job security.

What have been some of the notable highlights and successes of Kunooz Oman Holding in recent years?

In 2023, our primary focus shifted toward prioritizing safety, marking a significant change in our work culture. We entered the second phase of implementing safety systems, policies, and culture across all subsidiaries, aiming to see tangible results in our day-to-day activities. Moreover, Kunooz Oman Holding achieved a milestone by becoming the first private mining sector member within the OPAL platform/association, emphasizing our commitment to industry collaboration. Additionally, we advanced our projects, completing feasibility studies for gypsum powder and dolomite. Moving forward, we plan to secure funding and collaborate with technology owners and off-takers for implementation. The EPC for a cold warehouse is set to be finalized in the first half of this year. In a notable move, we signed an MoU to establish a joint venture with major players, for magnesium extraction from Dolomite. Anticipating this consortium to materialize in 1H2024, we remain dedicated to adding real value to societies and locations where we operate. We also concluded an HR consultancy study to optimize efficiency, emphasizing synergy within the group for financial growth under the guidance of our board members. Our overarching goal is substantivity across financial, people development, safety, and environmental aspects.

How do your strategies align with your vision for progress, sustainability, and staying abreast with trends in mining, construction, and transport?

Our commitment to growth forms the essential foundation for success, with two main pillars: one in mining/resources and the second in ICV and downstream manufacturing processes. We prioritize activities that synergize between both pillars, constantly aiming to adopt and improve them based on factual evidence. Kunooz Oman Holding’s goal is to achieve sustainability for our organization, people, shareholders, and community—our stakeholders. This sustainability encompasses financial growth, safety, environmental preservation, people development, and job security. We have made significant progress by being part of a consortium planning magnesium extraction from dolomite. The MoU is already signed, and we are diligently working to finalize the joint venture agreement by 2024, reflecting our commitment to diversification and long-term sustainability. Our vision involves bringing natural resources to the world to support Oman’s sustainable development. We focus on diversifying mining activities for quality and downstream operations, with subsidiaries covering gypsum, gabbro, logistics, and marble. Future directions prioritize specific minerals like gypsum, dolomite, basalt, manganese, chrome, and iron ore. As we expand our portfolio, we shift from gypsum extraction to gypsum board and powder production, emphasizing in-country value. For dolomite, the focus is on downstream magnesium processing, engaging potential investors and technology partners who align with our vision. These strategic considerations and areas of priority guide our path forward.

Has Kunooz Oman Holding implemented any strategies to uphold health, safety, and environment (HSE) values?

Kunooz Oman Holding has implemented robust strategies to uphold HSE values. Enhanced security measures, monitored fleet management, and strict personnel-machine segregation are key aspects of our approach. Credibility is bolstered through rigorous validation of third-party visitors. A contracted HSE provider is actively conducting risk assessments, fortifying policies, and fostering a safety-centric culture within our organization. Notably, in May 2023, we took a significant initiative by funding the first HSE conference for Oman’s mining sector in collaboration with OPAL and the Ministry of Energy and Minerals. This pioneering effort received widespread acclaim, addressing longstanding safety concerns in the industry. Recognizing the need for improvement, we have engaged a third-party consultant to impart knowledge and instill a safety culture. Our collaboration with a local consultant, rooted in the oil industry, supports both SMEs and our commitment to stringent safety measures. We emphasize that HSE is not merely a set of rules but an integral part of our organizational culture. To drive authentic change, we aim to foster a culture shift from within, making HSE a personal value for every individual. Our collaboration with a third party ensures alignment with this cultural transformation.