Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Saleh Kharabsheh and Manaseer Group Chairman Ziad Manaseer on Wednesday signed an executive agreement for copper mining across a 78-square-kilometre area in southern Jordan. The agreement covers Wadi Khalid, Wadi Al Nahas, Wadi Al Jaria and Wadi Al Mahash, moving the project towards development following exploratory work and in line with technical, economic and environmental requirements.Preliminary technical results showed copper concentrations of 1.36 per cent in the southern geological formation, with some samples recording concentrations exceeding 3.5 per cent, according to an Energy Ministry statement.The estimated copper ore reserves stand at around 45 million tonnes, containing between 500,000 and 600,000 tonnes of pure copper.Under the agreement, Manaseer Group will conduct technical, economic and environmental feasibility studies to verify mineral resource estimates and determine the required capital investment.Kharabsheh said the project would use underground mining rather than open-pit methods to preserve surface natural features and protect biodiversity.Mining facilities and processing infrastructure will be built outside the designated area, with underground operations limited to a network of tunnels, he added.Environment Minister Ayman Suleiman highlighted coordination between the government and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature to balance environmental protection with the sustainable use of mineral resources.Manaseer reaffirmed the company’s commitment to high environmental standards and local employment, saying it aims for Jordanians to account for 90 per cent of the project’s workforce.The executive agreement follows a memorandum of understanding signed in June 2022 with Jordan Integrated for Mining and Exploration, a Manaseer Group subsidiary.The company subsequently conducted exploratory drilling and sample analysis that indicated the presence of commercially viable copper deposits. (ICE AMMAN)

Fonte notizia: jordan times