Sohar-based Strategic and Precious Metal Processing (SPMP), the developer of Oman’s antimony roaster has awarded its engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) deal to WorleyParsons Oman Engineering.

The Omani subsidiary of the Sydney-based engineering firm will be supported by WorleyParsons RSA in executing the EPCM contract for the first major antimony roaster outside of China in recent decades.

SPMP will invest about $70m in the 20,000-tonne-a-year capacity scheme located in the Sohar Port and Free Zone. Oman Investment Fund (OIF) and UK-based Tri-Star Resources have 40 per cent equity interest each, while DNR Industries holds the remaining 20 per cent.

“As a small start-up company, SPMP required a partner to guide them through their first project, and were seeking to improve their business management and technology direction. WorleyParsons had the expertise to fulfil these requirements,” said WorleyParsons RSA’s senior project manager Dhirendra Ghoorah.

The plant, which is set for completion in November 2017, will produce high-grade antimony ingots, powdered antimony trioxides, gypsum and gold bullions.

Antimony has multiple uses in plastics as well as the aviation industry.