Duqm: Sebacic Duqm, the largest sebacic acid refinery in the Middle East, could offer well over 700 jobs to Omani nationals in the technical field.
Yahya Al Jabri, chairman of the Special Economic Zone Duqm (SEZAD) and Sheikh Hilal Al Maawali, chairman of Sebacic Duqm, laid the foundation of the project, which is expected to complete by the end of 2017.
Al Maawali said the project could provide many job opportunities for young graduates, where 700 jobs will be available once the project if fully complete.
“Initially, we will have 250 jobs available for young Omanis, of course technical jobs. When the project ends we will have around 700 in total,” said Al Maawali.
Sebacic acid is in demand, and is used to manufacture biodegradable and environmentally friendly plastics to replace cancer causing ones. The plant will be able to produce 30,000 tons of sebacic acid per year and export it to countries that have the acid in demand, such as China and Japan, as well as the majority of the Far East nations, which will have a major positive impact on the Omani economy.
“The project has a long-term vision aimed at bringing investments from Oman and abroad by establishing industrial facilities next to the petroleum refinery,” said Al Maawali. “We are currently discussing the opportunities for a mix blend of products from our Petroleum Refinery and Bio Refinery, with investors from foreign countries,” he added. Sebacic acid is made from castor oil, which Oman is importing from India, the largest manufacturer of the seed.