(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)
Amman, Dec. 12 (Petra) --
Minister of
energy and Mineral Resources, Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, conducted field inspections Thursday of basalt sampling operations in Al-Ashqaf area east of Safawi city and phosphate exploration
drilling sites southeast of Ruwaished.
During the tour, Kharabsheh noted that drilling and sampling operations are being carried out by international companies according to precise scientific standards to ensure optimal results.
According to a
Ministry statement, over 650 basalt samples have been collected from various points in the Al-Ashqaf research area by a global consulting firm.
The minister explained that the basalt study, aimed at industrial applications, is expected to be completed within the next four months.
Regarding phosphate exploration southeast of Ruwaished, being conducted by the Arab Mining Company, more than 4,500 samples have been collected. Drilling operations are ongoing to locate high-purity phosphate deposits.
"Mining projects are gaining significant importance for their role in economic development, aligning with the Economic Modernization Vision's objectives that prioritize the mining sector and mineral resource exploitation," Kharabsheh said.
The ministry launched a basalt investment tender in July covering 11,000 square kilometers in the northeast region. The nine-month project includes collecting 1,100 samples for mineralogical and petrographic studies to determine chemical content and industrial applications.
Initial drilling results have revealed phosphate layer thicknesses ranging from 5 to 19 meters, with an average of 8 meters and sedimentary cover not exceeding 15 meters.
Preliminary studies indicate initial phosphate ore reserves of over 250 million cubic meters, with expectations of increased reserves upon completion of the exploration program.
The ministry is currently preparing draft executive agreements for negotiations with companies interested in investing in four minerals: phosphate, rare earth elements, gold, and copper.
In October 2023, the ministry also signed a memorandum of understanding with Oman's Tasneem Projects Company for phosphate exploration across 297 square kilometers, with 92 wells already drilled and 1,418 samples collected for analysis in Turkish laboratories.
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