Amman, Oct. 21 (Petra) – Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources
Saleh Kharabsheh and Manaseer Group Chairman Ziad Manaseer signed an
executive agreement Wednesday to develop a copper mining project
covering an area of approximately 78 square kilometers in southern
Jordan.

The project covers Wadi Khaled, Wadi Al-Nuhas, Wadi Al-Jariya, and
Wadi Al-Mahash, pending further technical, economic, and
environmental studies before mining operations start.

Preliminary geological findings estimate copper ore deposits at about
45 million metric tons, containing an estimated 500,000 to 600,000
metric tons of pure copper. Initial samples showed copper
concentrations of around 1.36 percent in the southern geological
formation, with some samples exceeding 3.5 percent.

Under the agreement, the company will complete feasibility and
environmental studies, verify mineral resource and reserve estimates,
determine economically recoverable quantities, and assess capital
investment requirements.

The project will adopt underground mining rather than open-pit
extraction to limit impact on the area’s natural landscape,
ecosystems, and biodiversity.

Kharabsheh explained that mining and ore-processing facilities, along
with supporting infrastructure, would be located outside the
boundaries of the designated area. Access to underground copper
deposits would be restricted to carefully planned entrances and
tunnels, subject to technical studies, environmental assessments, and
regulatory approvals.

He described the agreement as the second of its kind in Jordan,
emphasizing the government’s efforts to develop mineral resources
while preserving natural habitats and environmental assets.

The minister added that environmental requirements would be
implemented in coordination with the Ministries of Energy and
Environment, the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN),
and relevant government agencies.

He stressed that environmental impact assessments, licenses, and
regulatory approvals must be completed before mining operations
begin.

Minister of Environment Ayman Suleiman highlighted cooperation
between the government and RSCN in establishing a framework for
mineral development that protects biodiversity and natural habitats.

The arrangements would guide the project’s implementation in
accordance with environmental legislation and sustainability
requirements, he said.

For his part, Manaseer reaffirmed his group’s commitment to
environmental protection throughout the mining, exploration, and
logistical operations, including measures to mitigate environmental
impacts.

He also emphasized the importance of supporting local communities
surrounding the project through employment, development initiatives,
and responsible resource management.

The 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 and 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 provides for
exploring downstream processing industries to increase the economic
value of locally extracted minerals.

The project is expected to create employment, training, and
vocational development opportunities for surrounding communities,
with a target of about 90 percent Jordanian workers.

//Petra// AO