Kharabsheh holds Jordanian-Uzbek talks to develop and expand mining projects in the Kingdom
Kharabsheh discusses cooperation opportunities with the Uzbek side in exploring mineral wealth and developing mining projects in Jordan
Amman3 min read
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Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Dr. Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, held a meeting today, Monday, with the Uzbek Deputy Minister of Mining and Geology, Rustam Yusupov, and his accompanying delegation, to discuss opportunities for enhancing joint cooperation in the mining sector in Jordan and the possibility of benefiting from the expertise of Uzbek companies and institutions in implementing mineral wealth, geology, and mining projects by signing memoranda of understanding that regulate areas of cooperation and define joint working mechanisms between the two countries.
During the talks, Kharabsheh emphasized the importance of building on the areas of cooperation proposed with the Uzbek side and identifying mining opportunities and projects that can be worked on jointly, noting that the Ministry looks forward to moving from general discussions to practical steps by developing technical work programs to study the targeted areas and determine their mining potential.
He said that the proposed cooperation includes areas of geological exploration for minerals, foremost among them copper, gold, and rare minerals, in addition to benefiting from the technical and technological expertise possessed by Uzbek companies in surveying, exploration, sample collection, and laboratory analysis work, which contributes to evaluating available opportunities and determining the feasibility of developing mining projects.
Kharabsheh pointed to the importance of agreeing on a joint technical program through which specialized teams from both sides would study and define areas of cooperation.
For his part, Yusupov emphasized his country's interest in enhancing cooperation with Jordan in the mining sector and the readiness of Uzbek companies to study the projects and areas proposed by the Ministry, provide the necessary technical expertise and information regarding them, and continue studies and work related to mining projects in the Kingdom.
He pointed to the importance of continuing coordination between specialists and exchanging geological data, which would allow for a more detailed assessment of cooperation opportunities, noting that areas of cooperation could include research, development, and technology transfer, benefiting from advanced laboratories and technologies in mineral extraction and processing operations, as well as exchanging expertise, training, and capacity building, and enhancing cooperation between universities and geological institutions in the two countries, including training students and exchanging scientific and practical expertise.
The discussions included a presentation by the Uzbek side on the activities of its companies and institutions in the field of mining and geological exploration, and the existing cooperation with a number of Jordanian companies, namely the Arab Mining Company, the Jordan Uranium Mining Company, and the National Arab Mining and Manufacturing Industries Company. The Uzbek side provided an explanation regarding the nature of the work of Uzbek companies, whose activities are mainly focused on providing technical services.
The two sides agreed to continue consultations and technical meetings to identify priority areas of work and study the proposed projects, and to complete the arrangements related to signing a memorandum of understanding during the upcoming high-level visit, which will pave the way for implementing joint programs and projects in the fields of geological exploration and mining, and the exchange of expertise and technology.
