Abu Khashiba:The Abu Khashiba copper project is advancing with promising results as recent studies identified up to 20.9 million tons of ore. This was revealed during a field visit by Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Saleh Kharabsheh, alongside members of the Senate and Lower House energy committees, to the project site managed by Wadi Araba Minerals Company.
According to Jordan News Agency, Minister Kharabsheh emphasized the project's potential to enhance Jordan's mineral resource utilization, contribute significantly to the mining sector's share of the gross domestic product, and foster investment and employment, aligning with the country's Economic Modernization Vision.
During the visit, the minister and delegates were briefed on geological studies, exploration results, and plans for developing the project and establishing processing facilities. The copper exploration and development agreement with Wadi Araba Minerals Company marks a pioneering effort in Jordan's mining sector, underscoring the importance of systematic progress from exploration to commercial production.
Wadi Araba Minerals Company's General Manager, Hani Asmar, shared the results of technical evaluations, highlighting an internal assessment estimating 20.9 million tons of ore with a 0.38% average copper grade. An independent assessment indicated 9.4 million tons at a 0.50% grade. The findings are based on initial exploration, with further drilling expected to refine these estimates.
Since May, the company has advanced its exploration, analyzing geochemical samples, excavating trenches, and conducting drilling and metallurgical tests. The next phase involves drilling over 120 exploratory boreholes to enhance geological models and support a definitive feasibility study.
The company is also developing a pilot-scale processing plant to assess ore processing efficiency, with preliminary tests showing promising extraction rates. Sites with approximately 400,000 tons of ore at an average 1% copper grade have been identified for initial extraction studies.
During their tour, officials inspected the pilot plant's construction and visited exploration sites. Initial estimates suggest the government could receive 48% to 50% of total project profits, although these figures will be revised based on final feasibility studies.
Senate Energy Committee Chair Farouk Hiyari reaffirmed the importance of expanding mining investments to drive economic growth, noting the visit aimed to evaluate the project's progress and exploration activities.