Amman:Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh and Manaseer Group Chairman Ziad Manaseer have signed an executive agreement to develop a copper mining project in southern Jordan. The project spans approximately 78 square kilometers, encompassing areas such as Wadi Khaled, Wadi Al-Nuhas, Wadi Al-Jariya, and Wadi Al-Mahash. This initiative awaits further technical, economic, and environmental studies before mining operations commence.
According to Jordan News Agency, preliminary geological findings estimate that the region contains around 45 million metric tons of copper ore, with an estimated 500,000 to 600,000 metric tons of pure copper. Initial samples revealed copper concentrations of about 1.36 percent, with some samples exceeding 3.5 percent in the southern geological formation.
The agreement stipulates that the company will complete feasibility and environmental studies, verify mineral resource and reserve estimates, and determine economically recoverable quantities. It also includes assessing capital investment requirements. The project plans to adopt underground mining methods to minimize impacts on the natural landscape, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
Kharabsheh stated that mining and ore-processing facilities, along with supporting infrastructure, would be situated outside the designated area. Access to underground copper deposits will be through carefully planned entrances and tunnels, subject to technical studies, environmental assessments, and regulatory approvals. He emphasized that this agreement is the second of its kind in Jordan, aligning with government efforts to develop mineral resources while preserving natural habitats and environmental assets.
The minister highlighted that environmental requirements will be enforced in coordination with the Ministries of Energy and Environment, the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), and other relevant agencies. Environmental impact assessments, licenses, and regulatory approvals must be completed before starting mining operations.
Minister of Environment Ayman Suleiman discussed the collaboration between the government and RSCN to establish a framework for mineral development that safeguards biodiversity and natural habitats. These arrangements will guide the project’s implementation in alignment with environmental legislation and sustainability requirements.
Manaseer emphasized his group’s commitment to environmental protection throughout mining, exploration, and logistical operations, including measures to mitigate environmental impacts. He also stressed the importance of supporting local communities through employment, development initiatives, and responsible resource management.
This agreement follows a memorandum of understanding signed in June 2022 between the Energy Ministry and the Jordanian Integrated Mining and Exploration Company, a Manaseer Group subsidiary. During the exploration phase, the company conducted detailed geological surveys, exploratory drilling, trenching, and laboratory analysis of samples, identifying copper mineralization in the area.
Previous geological studies also indicated copper deposits in the Feynan and Khirbet Al-Nuhas areas, supporting further assessment of the project's technical and economic feasibility. The agreement establishes a framework for project development, including resource assessments, mining methods, environmental compliance, and regulatory requirements. It also outlines exploring downstream processing industries to increase the economic value of locally extracted minerals.
The project is anticipated to create employment, training, and vocational development opportunities for surrounding communities, with a target of employing about 90 percent Jordanian workers.