Amman, June 18 (Petra) — Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources
Saleh Kharabsheh on Thursday inspected the copper and associated
minerals exploration and development project in the Abu Khashiba
area, reviewing progress of operations carried out by Wadi Araba
Minerals Company.

On the sidelines of the visit, Kharabsheh witnessed the signing of a
memorandum of understanding between Wadi Araba Minerals Company and
the Vocational Training Corporation to establish a specialized
training center in Abu Khashiba. He also witnessed the signing of a
well-drilling contract with Saudi Arabia’s Golden Compass, a company
specialized in drilling, surveying, mineral evaluation, and
consulting.

The minister said Wadi Araba Minerals Company, which holds the
concession for copper exploration in Abu Khashiba, is currently
conducting exploration activities in line with the approved
implementation agreement, work program and technical development
plan.

He noted that the company is undertaking basic civil works for the
construction of its first ore processing plant, with plans to
establish a larger facility in subsequent phases.

Kharabsheh said the Abu Khashiba copper agreement is the first of its
kind in Jordan, adding that similar memoranda of understanding have
been signed with other companies to explore mineral resources in
different regions of the Kingdom.

He stressed the importance of developing strategic minerals,
particularly copper and associated resources, noting that the project
aligns with global demand and forms part of efforts to revitalize
Jordan’s mining sector, increase its contribution to the Gross
Domestic Product, expand job creation and improve living standards in
line with the Economic Modernization Vision.

For his part, Wadi Araba Minerals Company General Manager Hani Asmar
said the Abu Khashiba project is among the Kingdom’s most promising
mining ventures, offering significant investment and economic
opportunities.

He said work is underway to establish the first ore processing plant
this year, with a production capacity ranging between 1,000 and 3,000
tons of raw copper annually.

Asmar added that the company is committed to sustainability, social
responsibility and local development, noting that it has strengthened
engagement with the local community through consultative meetings
with residents and dignitaries in Abu Khashiba.

He said an agreement was reached to form a joint committee to
coordinate project requirements, workforce needs and services, while
supporting employment opportunities for residents and helping reduce
unemployment.

The company expects the project to generate more than 800 direct
jobs, in addition to hundreds of indirect opportunities, supported by
training programs to be delivered through the planned vocational
training center in cooperation with the Vocational Training
Corporation.

Asmar also said environmental impact assessment studies have been
initiated in cooperation with the consulting firm Management and
Environment for Hima, to ensure mining operations comply with
environmental standards and balance economic development with
environmental protection.

During the visit, company staff reviewed completed projects
reflecting best practices in corporate social responsibility,
environmental sustainability, and local community development, aimed
at maximizing economic value and benefits for residents.

//Petra// AJ