Amman, Nov. 17 (Petra) -- Encouraging results from copper exploration in southern Jordan spark optimism for a significant boost to the country’s mining sector. Early findings suggest substantial economic potential in the newly discovered copper deposits, setting the stage for a transformative shift in the industry.

Copper exploration in Jordan holds strategic importance, not only for enhancing the country’s economic position regionally and globally, but also for reviving investment in the mining sector, in line with the government’s economic modernization vision.

This renewed focus on copper comes as global demand for the metal continues to rise, driven by its essential role in various industries. Additionally, other valuable elements found alongside copper are expected to add further economic benefits.

Jordan is optimistic about increasing its copper reserves, with exploration studies showing promising concentrations. For example, the copper content in the Abu Khashiba area is about 1%, which is considered a good rate.

Meanwhile, in the Dana Reserve, copper levels reach up to 2%, according to Hisham AlZyod, Director of the Natural Resources Studies Directorate at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

In an interview with the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Al-Zyoud confirmed that samples taken from exploration sites have been sent for external analysis, with results expected soon.

He also revealed that three memoranda of understanding (MOUs) had been signed with local and international companies in the Abu Khashiba, Malqa, and Dana regions, with plans for a fourth MOU in the Ghor Al-Fifa area with a local company.

In addition, Al-Zyoud noted that four exploratory wells for copper ore have been drilled in Wadi Khaled within the Dana Reserve and that surface samples have been collected. The ministry expects to receive detailed reports once these findings are available.

The Ministry of Energy also completed an agreement with the Turkish Solvest company to explore the Abu Khashiba area. A formal executive agreement is expected soon, following the company’s completion of its exploration program and a preliminary feasibility report submission.

In line with these efforts, the Cabinet recently approved an MOU between the Ministry of Energy and the Arab National Mining and Processing Industries Company to explore copper ores in the Ghor Fifa area.

This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to stimulate investment in the mining sector, positioning it as a key driver of high-value industries under the economic modernization agenda.

The MOU with the National Arab Mining Company, a local firm owned by Jordanian businessmen, is also seen as a significant step in encouraging local investment in the mining sector and ensuring that the country’s natural resources are utilized by local expertise.

Hamdi Tabbaa, President of the Jordanian Businessmen Association, praised the government’s decision as a crucial step toward realizing the royal vision for the mining sector.

He highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in promoting investment in mining and energy and fostering industries that will contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Al-Kharabsheh also emphasized the importance of copper exploration in the Wadi Araba region, a project led by the Jordan Integrated Mining and Exploration Company under an MOU signed in 2022. He commended the company’s efforts to assess copper reserves and the potential economic benefits of the project.

Royal support for the mining sector has been a key theme, reflected in the royal directives given to the government. These efforts align with the economic modernization vision, which recognizes the mining sector as a key contributor to GDP and a driver of investment.

Currently, three local and international companies are conducting copper exploration in Jordan, and the Ministry of Energy has signed 11 MOUs for various mining projects, including copper, lithium, gold, rare earth elements, potash, and phosphate.

The recent Cabinet-approved MOU for copper exploration in the Ghor Fifa region is an important part of this ongoing initiative.

Samer Makhamreh, Director of the Mining Department at the Jordanian Integrated Mining and Exploration Company, explained during a recent tour of the company’s operations that exploration work in the northern part of Dana, under an MOU signed in 2022, has been completed. This includes new pathways and the rehabilitation of old routes.

Exploration activities so far have involved 76 trenches, 170 holes, four old tunnels, 16 surface samples, and 21 wells. The company is now focusing on the southern part of Wadi Khaled, with plans to drill 10 more wells and conduct additional tests to gather more data for a detailed feasibility study.

The latest results from the exploration show higher copper concentrations in three areas compared to earlier studies, prompting the company to expand its efforts in the southern part of Wadi Khaled to enhance its reserves and further refine its copper analysis.

According to the third-quarter 2023 progress report for the Economic Modernization Vision, the first phase of drilling for the Al-Risha Phosphate Project has been completed, including the drilling of 29 wells and the collection of 324 samples.

The report also highlighted ongoing exploration projects across Jordan, including copper in Abu Khashiba, rare earth elements, and phosphate in the Risha area.

//Petra// WH


17/11/2024 11:08:16