Jordan Signs Two Mineral Exploration Deals in the South to Attract Investment and Create Jobs
In a bid to increase investments, create new jobs and fortify the mining sector of the country, Jordan has signed two new agreements for the exploration of mineral resources in its southern regions.
The fight against the agreements is that the two places of Wadi Abu Al-Buraq and Samra Al-Taybeh, which are both situated in the southern part of Jordan. The intention is to locate mineral reserves of high value which could be a great support to the country through long-term economic growth.
Two exploration zones, different timeframes
The primary memorandum of understanding (MoU) permits the prospecting in the Jabal Samra Al-Taybeh region. It includes an area of 13.9 square kilometers and will last 67 weeks. The deal mentions the investigation of base minerals, precious minerals, critical and strategic minerals, including rare earths.
The second MoU aims at the Jabal Abu Al-Buraq area, which is 106 square kilometers in size and will last for 98 weeks. Besides rare earth elements and other essential minerals, this agreement also covers the search for gold ore.
Why mining is a priority for Jordan
Mining is one of the key sectors under Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision, which aims to raise mining’s contribution to national GDP to 2.1% by 2033. The strategy also targets expanding employment in the sector to 27,000 workers, while increasing exports to 3.4 billion Jordanian dinars (around $4.8 billion).
The government estimates there are still large untapped opportunities in the industry worth around $1.14 billion, including in areas such as calcium phosphate and specialized phosphate products.
Who signed the deals
The MoUs were signed by Saleh Kharabsheh, Jordan’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, and Bassam Fakhouri, Director General of the Chemical and Mining Industries Co.
Kharabsheh said the new agreements are expected to strengthen the mining sector’s contribution to the economy, support investment, enable knowledge transfer, and help generate employment through a structured national approach to developing mineral resources.
He also said the deals align with the government’s plan to expand responsible investment and increase partnerships with qualified local and international companies, which can support technology transfer and new job opportunities for Jordanians.
More agreements may be coming
The minister added that these MoUs build on earlier agreements covering minerals such as gold, copper, rare earth elements, phosphate, and lithium, and said three additional agreements are currently under negotiation.
Jordan’s mining exports and key markets
Jordan’s mining industries currently export to 61 countries. India is the biggest buyer, accounting for 44% of shipments, followed by Indonesia, China, Egypt, and Brazil. Export revenue rose 12% in the first nine months of the year, reaching 859 million dinars.
The mining sector, including phosphate, potash, and chemical minerals, employs around 8,000 people directly and supports most of Jordan’s domestic demand.