Amman:A two-year, EU-funded twinning project has been initiated to advance Jordan's mining sector through collaboration with Spain and Greece. The project aims to enhance modern technology, workforce skills, and institutional capacity within the sector.
According to Jordan News Agency, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Saleh Kharabsheh emphasized the project's uniqueness in the Arab world, describing it as the first of its kind. The initiative, titled "Support Jordan's Institutional and Technical Capacity in the Mining Sector, in Line with EU Standards and Best Practices," seeks to utilize European expertise and international standards to bolster the sector's capabilities.
The launch event was attended by EU, Greek, and Spanish ambassadors to Jordan, along with mining experts and sector representatives. Minister Kharabsheh highlighted the program's focus on fostering knowledge exchange among Jordanian, Spanish, and Greek specialists, and the application of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence and scientific advancements, to mining development.
Jordan's mining strategy prioritizes investment attraction and technical capacity enhancement, with a target of achieving 10 percent annual growth in the sector by 2033. The ministry plans to expand cooperation with international institutions and specialists, recognizing the role of Spanish and Greek experts in training Jordanian personnel.
EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas noted the project's foundation on longstanding European cooperation with Jordan. He underscored the potential of Jordan's silica, phosphate, potash, and other raw materials to generate economic value and strengthen Jordan-EU ties.
Greek Ambassador Irene Riga and Spanish Ambassador José Luis Pardo Cuerdo both expressed their countries' commitment to sharing expertise and best practices to support Jordan's mining sector development. The project aims to align Jordanian mining products with European specifications, contributing to the economy.
Hisham Zyoud, director of the ministry's Geology and Mining Directorate, outlined the program's activities, including licensing, oversight, data collection, staff training, investment promotion, and market access. The initiative also aims to establish a center of excellence for skill and capacity development in the mining sector, identifying gaps and creating plans to address them.