Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh on Saturday conducted an inspection tour of phosphate ore exploration projects, including drilling and exploration sites in the Buwayja area in the south of the Kingdom.
During the visit, the minister reviewed the progress of the exploration project carried out by specialised technical personnel from the ministry’s Geology and Mining Directorate.
The project involves drilling a series of core wells within an exploration area exceeding 50 square kilometres to evaluate the region’s phosphate reserves, according to a ministry statement.
Kharabsheh emphasised that the ministry’s efforts align with Royal directives and the Economic Modernisation Vision, as well as the mining sector strategy.
He highlighted the importance of enhancing the geological database and increasing the proven reserves of strategic minerals, including phosphate, base metals, and rare earth elements.
“Such efforts aim to provide accurate preliminary data to investors and open new horizons for investment in the mining sector,” he said,
The minister noted that the ministry’s policy focuses on maximising the added value of mineral ores by limiting the export of raw materials and encouraging the expansion of related manufacturing industries. This approach is intended to achieve the best economic returns and bolster the sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Kharabsheh stressed that these projects represent a fundamental step towards expanding phosphate manufacturing industries, including the production of phosphoric acid and fertilisers, as well as materials used in the pharmaceutical and medical industries.
“This contributes to supporting the national economy and creating future job opportunities, particularly through the establishment of industrial projects in mining areas.”
The minister was also briefed on the strategic importance of phosphate ore in Jordan as a vital natural resource for the national economy. Preliminary exploration began in the mid-20th century before expanding across multiple sites. Early indicators show promising extensions of the ore in central and eastern Jordan, which are currently undergoing rigorous scientific evaluation.