Jordan Valley, May 21 (Petra) — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan opened the Arab Potash Company’s Southern Expansion Project on Wednesday, a major strategic industrial initiative in Jordan with an estimated investment of approximately $1.1 billion.

The event was attended by the company’s Chair of the Board of Directors, Shehadeh Abu Hdeib; CEO Maan Nsour; members of the Board of Directors; the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh.

During the ceremony, Hassan commended the company’s dedication to expanding its projects and opening new markets, which will bolster Jordan’s position in the potash and derivatives industries.

He highlighted that the project aligns with the country’s economic modernisation vision, aimed at fostering growth and creating job opportunities.

He urged providing training and qualification programmes for the youth of the local community and the southern governorates to ensure they can benefit from the employment opportunities the project offers.

He praised Arab Potash’s efforts within its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, noting that the efforts have inspired other entities to support community development. The government is committed to institutionalising social responsibility through partnerships between the public, private and local sectors.

The Southern Expansion Project aims to increase the company’s potash production capacity by 740,000 tons annually, bringing total production to approximately 3.7 million tons per year.

The expansion supports the objectives of the Economic Modernisation Vision, particularly in the mining and fertiliser sectors. The project is expected to enhance exports, strengthen foreign currency reserves increase government revenues through taxes and payments and generate jobs.

Engineering preparations for the project are set to begin in the second half of 2025, with implementation starting next year. The project is expected to span four years and includes the construction of new salt marshes, a new potash production plant and a granulated potash facility, alongside advanced technical and engineering works.

Shehadeh Abu Hdeib highlighted that the Southern Expansion Project reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable growth and its strategic role in supporting the national economy.

He explained that the project aims to enhance Jordan’s contribution to global food security by supplying fertilisers essential for agriculture worldwide and developing derivative industries.

Abu Hdeib also expressed gratitude for the continuous support from His Majesty King Abdullah II and the Jordanian government, which have been “instrumental” in facilitating the company’s expansion.

He paid special tribute to the Jordanian Armed Forces for their role in clearing the project site of minefields, enabling safe and efficient progress.

CEO Maan Nsour emphasised that the project aligns with the company’s long-term vision, initiated in 2019, to achieve a 30% increase in production by 2030.

He stated that the expansion is a qualitative leap toward developing high-value-added potash-based industries, including specialised fertilisers and derivative chemicals.

This approach aims to maximise the utilisation of Jordanian natural resources, integrate into global manufacturing chains and expand into lucrative markets in Europe and the Americas.

Nsour added that the project would adhere to the highest technical and environmental standards, ensuring sustainability and community benefit. He noted that Arab Potash has undertaken several major development projects recently, which are expected to significantly improve operational efficiency, diversify product offerings and strengthen its position as a leading global player in the potash and fertiliser industries.

The Southern Expansion Project marks a pivotal milestone in Arab Potash Company’s journey, promising substantial economic benefits for Jordan, including increased exports, job creation and enhanced global competitiveness, all while supporting sustainable development and community welfare.

//Petra// AK
21/05/2025 17:13:04