Regional mining cooperation 'key' to building sustainable sector-Kharabsheh - Jordan News

Jordan News

16-07-2025

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Dr. Saleh Kharabsheh, stressed the importance of regional cooperation and unified efforts to exploit shared geological formations. اضافة اعلان The minister made the remarks during his participation in Egypt Mining Forum 2025, which kicked off Tuesday, in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, and will continue for two days with broad regional and international participation from ministers, experts, and decision-makers in the mining sector. Kharabsheh noted many mineral-rich formations, mainly the Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS), "do not recognize political borders and extend across several countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan." Talking to a ministerial panel discussion, themed: "Attracting Strategic Partners and Emerging Exploration Companies to Drive Long-Term Growth in the Mining Sector," Kharabsheh said the ministry signed a cooperation agreement with the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources to exchange information and study cross-border geological formations. Kharabsheh referred to a similar partnership with the Egyptian side, as part of efforts to maximize the benefits of these shared natural resources. According to a ministry statement, Kharabsheh pointed to Jordan's ambition to build transformative industries based on its national resources. The minister added that this approach "opens the door to integrated" projects that may rely on raw materials available in Saudi Arabia or Egypt, which would enhance opportunities for establishing mutual industries and provide an "attractive" environment for "major" companies seeking cross-border regional business opportunities. Kharabsheh noted regional cooperation in the mining field represents a "fundamental pillar" for building a "sustainable" sector to achieve shared economic growth, calling for continued coordination among Arab countries concerned with mineral resources to maximize the potential of available resources. During the session, attendees discussed the governments' role in providing an attractive and stable investment environment through clear regulations and guaranteed property rights, aimed at attracting capital and companies specializing in exploration and development. Hisham Zyoud, Director of the ministry's Mining Directorate, took part in a sub-panel discussion, titled "Beyond Gold: Base Metals and Critical Minerals in the Arabian-Nubian Shield," which discussed ways to transform the ANS's historically known gold-rich deposits into a major source of base metals and critical minerals that support the growing global demand for raw materials necessary for industrial and technological transformation. Participants stated the shield, which extends across Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, is one of the oldest and richest geological regions in the world.
The forum, which is a key platform for exchanging expertise and reviewing investment opportunities in the mining sector in the Arab region, reflects interest of the region's countries in developing their natural resources and enhancing their role in global mineral markets.