Jordan’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Saleh Kharabsheh, announced the signing of two separate memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at exploring and developing mineral resources in the southern regions of Wadi Abu Al-Buraq and Samra Al-Taybeh.

The first MoU covers the exploration of base, precious, critical, and strategic minerals, along with rare earth elements, across an area of 13.9 square kilometers in the Jabal Samra Al-Taybeh region. Exploration and preliminary assessment activities are expected to last 67 weeks.

The second MoU covers an area of 106 square kilometers in the Jabal Abu Al-Buraq region and includes the exploration of gold ore, as well as base and precious minerals, critical and strategic minerals, and rare earth elements. The exploration program in this area is planned to be completed within 98 weeks.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Kharabsheh said the agreements would enhance the mining sector’s contribution to the national economy, encourage investment, and support technology transfer and job creation. He emphasized that the step is in line with a responsible and sustainable investment approach.

The MoUs build on previously signed agreements under Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision aimed at developing the mining sector. Officials noted that negotiations are ongoing for three additional agreements covering projects related to gold, copper, phosphate, lithium, and rare earth elements.