AMMAN: Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, conducted field inspections of basalt and phosphate exploration sites in eastern Jordan, where drilling and sampling operations are being executed by international firms. The inspections took place in the Al-Ashqaf area near Safawi city and southeast of Ruwaished.
According to Jordan News Agency, over 650 basalt samples have been collected from the Al-Ashqaf research area, conducted by a global consulting firm. The ongoing basalt study, which focuses on industrial applications, is expected to conclude within four months. In the phosphate exploration southeast of Ruwaished, the Arab Mining Company has collected more than 4,500 samples, with drilling operations continuing to identify high-purity phosphate deposits.
The minister emphasized the mining sector’s role in economic development, aligning with the Economic Modernization Vision’s objectives. In July, the ministry launched a basalt investment tender covering 11,000 square kilometers,
involving a nine-month project. The project aims to gather 1,100 samples for detailed studies to determine the chemical content and potential industrial applications.
Initial findings from drilling have revealed phosphate layer thicknesses ranging from 5 to 19 meters, with an average thickness of 8 meters and sedimentary cover not exceeding 15 meters. Preliminary studies suggest over 250 million cubic meters of initial phosphate ore reserves, with expectations of increased reserves upon further exploration.
The ministry is also preparing draft executive agreements for negotiations with companies interested in investing in minerals such as phosphate, rare earth elements, gold, and copper. Additionally, in October 2023, the ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with Oman’s Tasneem Projects Company for phosphate exploration, covering 297 square kilometers. The agreement includes 92 drilled wells and the collection of 1,418 samples for analysis in Turkish laboratories.