In line with the efforts exerted by various public and private institutions, and the collaboration to combat the risks of Covid-19 pandemic, Sohar Aluminium and the College of Applied Sciences in Sohar joined efforts to fabricate and produce face masks to protect the medical staff in Sohar and Rustaq Hospital. This initiative comes within the framework of the social responsibility of both the company and the college.

A specialized team of academics from the college coordinated with the concerned departments in both hospitals to identify the essential requirements and needs during these difficult times and how to better utilize the capabilities available in the college. The discussions concluded to design and produce a facial mask in the college's laboratories with high quality and appropriate specifications to be used by the medical personnel dealing with COVID-19 patients. Sohar Aluminium funded the purchase of a 3D printer and the raw materials used to fabricate the masks. Also, a team of the company’s volunteers participated in the assembly process. 600 masks are hoped to be produced soon.

Commenting on this initiative, Ahmed bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Kharusi, Sohar Aluminium’s Human Resources and Corporate Affairs General Manager said: “We continue to seek opportunities for cooperation and partnership with public and private institutions in matters that strengthen the efforts to fight this pandemic. This collaboration is part of a series of initiatives undertaken by the company to play its role in this front.”

Dr Awad Al-Ma’amari, the Dean of the College of Applied Sciences in Sohar said: “The College seeks to utilise all its capabilities to contribute to combating this pandemic and support the efforts of all entities in order to preserve the health and safety of everyone on our beloved country. We appreciate the support of the officials of the Ministry of Higher Education and Sohar Aluminium for their cooperation in this initiative.”

Sohar Aluminium LLC was formed in September 2004 to undertake a landmark Greenfield aluminium smelter project in the Sultanate of Oman. It is jointly owned by OQ S.A.O.C, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC - TAQA and Rio Tinto.