Gulf Mining Group, one of the largest mining and mineral processing corporations in the Sultanate, has plans to set up a major potash mining project targeting prolific reserves in central Oman. According to the Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Yahya al Shabibi , initial investments in the project are estimated at between USD300-500mn, effectively making it the single largest mining related venture in the Sultanate. Mining has been identified as one of five strategic non-oil sectors, alongside manufacturing, tourism, fishing and logistics, that have been targeted for aggressive development towards this end. Potash is a primary raw material used in the manufacture of fertiliser for the global agriculture industry. (Oman Observer)