Prospects for Omani coal

A coalfield, in excess of 120×106 tonnes of coal in situ, has been discovered at Al-Kamil in south-eastern Oman. The coal is classified as highly-volatile bituminous type-A, with an average calorific value of 27.5 GJ per tonne. Unfortunately, it has on average 5% by weight sulphur content and an ash content of 14% by weight: so it is probably better suited for use as a fuel for electricity generation. However, such coal-fired generation, at present, would incur a higher cost than using indigenous natural gas, but would nevertheless provide an opportunity for diversification away from the existing over-dependence on natural gas and crude oil.