Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh on Tuesday signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Chemical and Mining Industries (CMI) to explore mineral resources in southern Jordan.The MoU comes as part of efforts to develop the mining sector and attract quality investment in line with the national mining strategy, according to a ministry statement.The agreements, signed with CMI Director General Bassam Fakhouri, cover mineral exploration activities in Wadi Abu Al Baraq and Samrat Al Taybeh, targeting a range of basic, precious, critical and strategic minerals, including rare earth elements.Under the first MoU, exploration and prospecting activities will be carried out in the Samrat Al Taybeh mountain range, covering an area of 13.9 square kilometres over a period of 67 weeks.The second MoU focuses on the exploration of gold and other key mineral resources in the Baraq–Abu Baraq mountain area, spanning 106 square kilometres over 98 weeks.Speaking at the signing ceremony, Kharabsheh said the agreements would strengthen the contribution of the mining sector to the national economy, support investment, facilitate the transfer of expertise and create job opportunities within a comprehensive national programme for the development and utilisation of Jordan’s mineral resources.He added that the MoUs reflect the government’s approach to expanding responsible investment in the mining sector and fostering partnerships with capable national and international companies, contributing to knowledge transfer and employment opportunities for Jordanians.Kharabsheh noted that the agreements are consistent with sustainable development priorities and complement a series of MoUs previously signed by the ministry with local and foreign companies in areas including gold, copper, rare earth elements, phosphate and lithium.He added that three additional agreements are currently under negotiation ahead of their transition to the implementation phase. (ICE AMMAN)

Fonte notizia: JORDAN TIMES