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Jordan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Jordan Times
EMV mining workshop highlights Kingdom's drive to unlock mineral potential, attract investment
AMMAN — The Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV) workshops continued Sunday at the Royal Hashemite Court with a dedicated session on Jordan's mining sector, underscoring its strategic role in boosting industrial growth, export diversification, and regional development. Bringing together policymakers, investors, and sector experts, the session assessed progress under the EMV's first phase while charting future directions to unlock the full potential of the Kingdom's mineral wealth. Officials and participants highlighted Jordan's rich reserves of phosphates, potash, bromine, copper, and rare earth elements, calling them a cornerstone of the country's industrial base. Jordan ranks seventh globally in phosphate reserves and remains one of the world's top producers of both potash and phosphate. These assets, they said, offer strong potential for attracting foreign direct investment, expanding downstream industries, and enhancing value-added exports in chemicals, fertilisers and metals. The mining sector currently contributes around 8 per cent of Jordan's GDP and accounts for more than 20 per cent of national exports. Companies such as Arab Potash Company (APC) and Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC) have played pivotal roles in positioning Jordan as a major regional exporter. Stakeholders noted that productivity in the sector remains high, with mining jobs ranking second in GDP contribution per employee after financial services. However, they stressed the need to improve geological surveying, update regulatory frameworks, and streamline licensing procedures to encourage sustainable expansion. The sector's goals under the EMV include boosting employment, especially in mining governorates, improving the investment climate, expanding industrial mining beyond phosphates and potash, and promoting environmentally responsible practices. Plans are also underway to establish an independent geological survey authority and improve data transparency to international standards. Among the key achievements in the first phase were the launch of an online platform showcasing investment opportunities in minerals such as basalt, silica, gypsum, kaolin, dolomite, and feldspar. Additionally, a new regulation was issued in 2020 to govern strategic resource projects, including oil shale, coal, and critical minerals. Participants also emphasised the importance of aligning mining policies with international environmental standards and integrating renewable energy to lower production costs and emissions, thereby strengthening the sector's international competitiveness. As Jordan advances into the next phase of the EMV, the mining sector is poised to become a key driver of industrialisation and sustainable economic development, leveraging both existing strengths and untapped mineral potential. CEO of the Arab Potash Company (APC) Maen Nsour, in an interview with The Jordan Times, reiterated the company's role as one of the 'locomotives of the Jordanian economy', outlining its alignment with the EMV through major investments in production expansion, sustainability and high-value exports. 'We have worked very hard during the past three years to achieve the objectives of the economic vision,' Nsour said, stressing the company's focus on attracting foreign direct investment combined with advanced technologies. A key example, he noted, is the expansion of the Jordan Bromine Company, a joint venture with the American company Albemarle, with a new $813 million investment. 'When we finish this expansion, Jordan will become the largest producer and exporter of bromine and tetrabromine,' he said, highlighting the strategic importance of these commodities across international industries. Nsour also highlighted a $1.1 billion expansion project aimed at increasing potash production by 750,000 tonnes annually. Upon completion, Jordan's total output would reach around 4 million tonnes per year. 'These quantities will be exported to markets in Europe, Brazil, China, India and across the Arab world, and also used in high-value-added industries such as fertilisers and chemicals,' he added. On sustainability, Nsour stressed the centrality of environmental responsibility to APC's strategy. 'We want to maintain an industry that is compatible with the environment and serves the best interests of future generations in Jordan,' he said. He also noted that meeting international sustainability standards, particularly the EU's carbon border adjustment requirements, is essential to maintaining and growing Jordan's presence in key export markets. 'You cannot do that unless sustainability and environmental aspects are very well taken into account,' he said. Jordan Bromine Company (JBC) General Manager Samer Asfour underlined the mining industry's role in job creation and value-added exports. He told The Jordan Times that the company currently employs around 640 Jordanians and is moving ahead with expansion plans expected to boost that number to over 1,000. 'We're definitely bringing foreign currency into the country, addressing unemployment challenges, and playing a major role in the national GDP and total exports,' he said. Asfour also stressed that innovation and technological advancement are central to the company's competitiveness in global markets. 'Our expansion projects are part of a continuous effort to enhance efficiency, increase revenues, and improve the sophistication of our products,' he noted, adding that this aligns closely with the EMV's goals for industrial innovation and export growth. He also pointed to the company's existing international partnerships as a model for sector development. 'JBC is already a successful joint venture between the Arab Potash Company and the largest bromine company in the world. Our ongoing investments reflect our commitment to the local economy and the broader objectives of the EMV.' Arab National Mining Company CEO Ayman Ayash highlighted the company's alignment with the EMV, noting that it was launched as a private sector initiative aimed at unlocking the full potential of Jordan's mineral resources 'The company came as an initiative from the private sector to implement His Majesty King Abdullah's vision for the mining sector,' Ayash. He explained that the firm was founded by prominent Jordanian and regional businessmen to reinforce the strategic partnership between the government and private sector in advancing the mining industry. Ayash stressed that real progress in the mining sector requires foundational reforms across five key areas. He called for the establishment of an independent geological survey authority, describing it as a necessary 'incubator' for the sector. 'This would serve as the backbone for reliable data and resource planning,' he said. Ayash also emphasised the importance of administratively separating the mining and energy sectors, stressing that they are fundamentally distinct industries. 'As long as we continue to operate under a unified Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, mining will remain a secondary priority and receive limited attention,' he said. The third priority, he said, is to overhaul existing laws and regulations to align with international best practices and make Jordan more competitive in attracting international investors. 'We must revamp the laws so they are at least equal to those in neighbouring countries,' he said. Ayash also emphasised the importance of establishing a comprehensive mining databank. "This would consolidate geological, geochemical and geophysical data, including borehole samples and historical exploration reports, to provide a solid foundation for future investment and exploration. He also underscored the need for comprehensive financial reforms, calling for the introduction of a more competitive fiscal system and a government-backed exploration enablement program. 'We need a tradable stock exchange platform dedicated to junior mining companies,' he added. 'These companies are the driving force behind international exploration efforts, and they must have reliable access to financing to carry out their work effectively.'
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Ras Al Khaimah: 14.5% increase in total licensed capital of active business licences H1
A report issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK DED) revealed a 14.5% increase in the total licensed capital of active business licences registered with the department during the first half of 2025, reaching AED10.2 billion. The report also noted a 6% growth in the total number of active licences in the emirate compared to the same period last year. According to the report, industrial licences recorded the highest growth, increasing by 14.3%, followed by a 6% rise in professional licences, and a 5% growth in commercial licences. Amina Qahtan, Director of the Department of Commercial Affairs, stated that these results reflect the sustained economic momentum witnessed in the emirate. She attributed the positive performance to the support of the wise leadership and a series of facilitative measures that have enhanced business resilience and attracted investors. Qahtan highlighted that the number of new licences issued in the first half of 2025 increased by 17.6%, with industrial licences experiencing the highest surge at 111%. Commercial licences increased by 12.6%, while professional licences rose by around 20%. She added that the total licensed capital of new businesses climbed by 7.5%, reaching AED495 million, compared to AED460 million during the same period last year. The capital for professional licences alone grew by 40%, while capital associated with industrial licences multiplied by 6.7 times, reaching AED47.5 million.
Zawya
21-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
OPEC forecasts stable crude exports from Africa until 2035
Africa is repositioning itself as a rising energy consumer and industrial growth hub in the global oil market, according to the Opec World Oil Outlook 2025. The report predicts that Africa's total crude and condensate exports will remain stable at around 5.2 million barrels per day (bpd) through 2035, but by 2050, they are expected to decline to 4.2 million bpd due to rising domestic demand and strategic value addition. Domestic crude use is expected to rise from 1.8 million bpd in 2024 to 4.5 million bpd by 2050, nearly tripling over the outlook period. This growth is tied to Africa's demographic boom, industrial expansion, and a push to enhance local refining and downstream infrastructure. Global trade patterns are shifting, offering new opportunities for African producers. Exports to Europe are expected to increase to a peak of 3 million bpd in 2030, before gradually tapering to 2.3 million bpd by 2050. The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a more prominent long-term partner, with African crude exports remaining stable at 1.9 million bpd through 2030, then rising modestly to 2.2 million bpd by 2040 before easing to 1.8 million bpd by 2050. Trade with the US and Canada is expected to fall to 100,000 bpd by 2045, as competition from Latin America intensifies. -OGN / TradeArabia News Service
Khaleej Times
17-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Ras Al Khaimah sees 17.6% rise in new business licences in first half of 2025
Ras Al Khaimah has recorded a significant increase in new business activity this year. According to a recent report from the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Ras Al Khaimah, the emirate witnessed a 17.6 per cent growth in the number of new business licences issued during the first half of 2025. In total, 1,219 new licences were issued between January and June, compared to 1,037 licences during the same period in 2024. Industrial licences lead the growth The report highlighted that industrial licences saw the highest growth, jumping by approximately 111 per cent. This was followed by professional licences, which increased by 20 per cent, and commercial licences, which rose by 12.6 per cent. Wholesale and retail dominate In terms of sectors, the wholesale and retail trade sector accounted for the largest share of new licences, making up 44.4 per cent of the total. The construction sector came second with 18 per cent, followed by the accommodation and food services sector at 13.2 per cent, and the manufacturing sector at 11.1 per cent. Other service activities accounted for 8.6 per cent of the new licences. Capital investment sees steady growth The total registered capital of new businesses in the emirate also rose by 7.5 per cent in the first half of the year. The capital invested in industrial licences saw a major increase, growing by 7.6 times compared to the same period in 2024. The professional licenses' capital rose by 24.7 per cent. Among Ras Al Khaimah's areas, Al Dhait recorded the highest share of new licences, accounting for 8.7 per cent of the total, followed by Al Nakheel at 8.4 per cent, and both Al Qusaidat and Julphar, each at 7.7 per cent. When measuring the number of new licences compared to existing active licences, Khalifa bin Zayed City ranked first, with 18.9 per cent new licences. Dahan followed with 13.4 per cent, and Al Ghail came in third at 9.1 per cent. In terms of attracting new investments, Al Jazirah Al Hamra led the way, capturing nearly one-third of the total registered capital of new licences. Al Dhait followed with 13 per cent, while Al Ghail attracted 8.5 per cent of the new capital. Commenting on the report, Amina Qahtan, Director of the Commercial Affairs Department at Ras Al Khaimah DED, said the figures reflect a dynamic and growing economy in the emirate. 'This growth is the result of strategic directives from our leadership, aimed at creating a flexible and investor-friendly environment,' she said. 'We have introduced a wide range of incentives and streamlined procedures to attract more businesses to Ras Al Khaimah.'
Zawya
17-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Africa's Crude Export Landscape is Shifting – What It Means for the Continent and the Industry
Africa is repositioning itself in the global oil market – not merely as a supplier to international markets, but as a rising energy consumer and industrial growth hub. The newly released OPEC World Oil Outlook 2025 underscores a continent in transition, leveraging its natural resources to meet domestic demand, expand refining capacity and strengthen regional energy security. These shifts signal a maturing energy profile, one that will be at the forefront of discussions during African Energy Week 2025 (AEW): Invest in African Energies, where policymakers, investors and industry leaders will shape the future of African energy on African terms. Crude Exports Plateau Before Gradual Decline OPEC projects that Africa's total crude and condensate exports will remain stable at around 5.2 million barrels per day (bpd) through 2035, thanks to modest increases in production. However, this steady supply will increasingly be used at home. By 2050, exports are expected to decline to 4.2 million bpd – not due to market loss, but as a result of rising domestic demand and strategic value addition on the continent. One of the most significant insights from the report is the continent's growing internal energy appetite. Domestic crude use is expected to rise from 1.8 million bpd in 2024 to 4.5 million bpd by 2050, nearly tripling over the outlook period. This growth is tied to Africa's demographic boom, industrial expansion and a concerted push to enhance local refining and downstream infrastructure. As African governments invest in capacity to process more of their own crude and produce their own fuels, the continent is taking steps toward energy independence and job creation across the value chain. Europe and Asia: Changing Trade Patterns Meanwhile, global trade patterns are shifting in ways that present new opportunities for African producers. Exports to Europe are expected to increase to a peak of 3 million bpd in 2030, before gradually tapering to 2.3 million bpd by 2050, in line with Europe's broader energy transition and shrinking reliance on imported oil. The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a more prominent long-term partner, with African crude exports remaining stable at 1.9 million bpd through 2030, then rising modestly to 2.2 million bpd by 2040 before easing to 1.8 million bpd by 2050. Trade with the U.S. and Canada, which stood at 400,000 bpd in 2024, is expected to fall to 100,000 bpd by 2045, as competition from Latin America intensifies. Yet rather than signaling decline, this trend underscores the importance of market diversification and deeper regional cooperation – a direction many African producers are already pursuing through integrated trade corridors, cross-border pipelines and African Continental Free Trade Area initiatives. What This Means for Africa's Energy Strategy — and AEW These evolving dynamics will be a core focus at AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies, the continent's premier platform for energy dialogue, investment and policy alignment. AEW will provide a stage for African countries to present their long-term energy strategies and forge partnerships aimed at building capacity, securing financing and scaling infrastructure. Rather than reacting to global shifts, Africa is asserting its own agenda centered on energy access, industrialization and sustainable growth. A dedicated OPEC roundtable at AEW will also explore the implications of the World Oil Outlook 2025 in greater depth. This forum will offer African producers and OPEC member states a chance to align on market expectations, explore new trade frameworks and identify areas for collaboration across production, refining and investment. 'As demand at home accelerates and global market dynamics evolve, the continent is stepping into a more self-directed and strategic role in the energy world. AEW 2025 will be a critical moment to chart that course, ensuring that Africa's oil and gas resources are harnessed not only for global supply but for African prosperity,' says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Week. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber. About AEW: Invest in African Energies: AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event.
