AMMAN, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- Jordan on Wednesday signed its second executive agreement for copper mining in the southern part of the country, covering an area of 78 square km, as the kingdom seeks to develop its mineral resources.
The agreement was signed by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh and Ziad Manaseer, chairman of the board of directors of Jordanian Manaseer Energy Group, according to a statement by the ministry.
The project covers Wadi Khalid, Wadi Al-Nahas, Wadi Al-Jariyah and Wadi Al-Mahash in southern Jordan. Its development is subject to technical, economic and environmental requirements and applicable legislation.
Initial technical findings showed copper concentrations of around 1.36 percent in the southern geological formation, exceeding 3.5 percent in some samples. The estimated copper ore reserves stand at about 45 million tonnes, containing approximately 500,000 to 600,000 tonnes of pure copper, according to preliminary estimates.
Kharabsheh said the agreement was part of Jordan's efforts to make greater use of its mineral resources while protecting the environment and biodiversity and supporting sustainable economic development. ■
