Amman: The Senate Energy and Mineral Resources Committee, chaired by Farouk Hiyari, held a meeting with Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh to address the current state and challenges facing the mining sector.
According to Jordan News Agency, Hiyari emphasized the significance of Jordan's mineral wealth as a fundamental contributor to economic and social development. He pointed out the sector's role in local employment and its provision of raw materials for various industries. Hiyari stressed the importance of Jordan's geological diversity, which has facilitated the discovery of numerous mineral resources, and urged for further investment to align with the Economic Modernization Vision.
Kharabsheh presented the national strategy for mineral wealth, highlighting investment opportunities and value-added industries aimed at enhancing the country's reliance on local resources. He mentioned ongoing efforts to expand geological surveys using advanced technology to create an accurate mineral map, which would help identify potential resources and their quantities.
Further, the minister noted increased efforts to evaluate and develop phosphate in the Risha area, along with other minerals such as potash, copper, gold, rare earth elements, and associated minerals across the Kingdom. These efforts aim to enhance their contribution to economic and social development.
Senators stressed the need to maximize the added value of mineral resources and ensure the implementation of projects outlined in the Economic Modernization Vision. They also advocated for the development of legislation to encourage investment in the mining sector.