Amman: Jordan’s Arab Potash Company (APC) and U.S.-based Albemarle Corporation have signed a JOD 576 million ($813 million) joint investment agreement to expand bromine production capacity at the Jordan Bromine Company (JBC). This initiative marks one of the largest U.S. investments in Jordan’s mining sector to date, with the project set to commence this month at APC’s Ghor Al-Safi facility. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan was present at the signing ceremony.
According to Jordan News Agency, the five-year expansion plan is expected to create 650 permanent jobs, alongside hundreds of temporary positions during the construction phase. The project aims to increase JBC’s production capacity of bromine and specialized derivative materials, ensuring the provision of necessary production requirements. The agreement was signed by key figures, including APC and JBC Chairman Shehada Abu Hudeib, APC CEO and JBC board member Maen Al-Nsour, JBC General Manager Samer Asfour, and CEO of Global Specialties at Albemarle and JBC board member Netha Johnson.
The ceremony was attended by U.S. Ambassador Yael Lempert, Energy Minister Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, Minister of State for Economic Affairs Muhannad Shehadeh, and officials from all three companies. Prime Minister Hassan underscored the significance of mining as a foundational pillar in Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision, highlighting promising investment opportunities in potash, phosphate, manufacturing industries, and green ammonia.
Hassan also pointed out the national railway project connecting Aqaba to APC and phosphate facilities in Shidiya, describing it as vital for supporting mining exports and enhancing Aqaba’s role as a regional logistics hub. He announced plans to connect the railway to the future Ma’an dry port. The prime minister commended APC’s sustainability efforts and corporate social responsibility in fostering local community development across multiple sectors.
Abu Hudeib highlighted the importance of government support for JBC’s expansion, emphasizing its role in the chemical industries sector and contribution to the national economy. He praised government efforts in creating an investment-friendly environment, which is crucial for implementing the bromine production expansion.
The project aligns with APC’s strategy to expand chemical industries derived from Dead Sea minerals, supporting the Economic Modernization Vision’s mining sector initiatives. These initiatives aim to enhance local products, increase productivity, and boost investment in natural resource exploitation. Al-Nsour outlined that the expansion project will be executed in four phases beginning in 2025, enhancing national industrial exports and creating numerous permanent jobs upon completion, showcasing the capabilities of Jordanian industries.
Johnson attributed Albemarle’s decision to expand to Jordan’s favorable investment environment, regulatory stability, strategic location for global market access, availability of Dead Sea mineral resources, and skilled workforce. The long-standing 25-year partnership between Albemarle and APC was cited as a significant factor in the investment decision, reflecting the positive relations developed over that period.