Minister of Energy Visits Abu Khusheiba Copper Exploration Project

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Amman – Jordan

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, H.E. Dr. Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, accompanied by a delegation consisting of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and the Ministry’s Media Department, conducted an official site visit to the Abu Khusheiba Copper Exploration Project.

During the visit, His Excellency reviewed the progress of exploration activities being carried out by WAM under the project's Executive Agreement and approved work program for Phase I (Exploration-2 years).

The Minister also inspected the ongoing civil works for the construction of the planned Small-Scale Processing Plant, with plans for a larger processing plant in subsequent phases upon completion of Mineral Resource Estimation and Ore Reserves in accordance to best international practices.

H.E. Dr. Al-Kharabsheh emphasized the strategic importance of developing Jordan's mineral resources, particularly copper and associated minerals, in response to growing global demand. He noted that the Abu Khusheiba project represents Jordan's first copper exploration and development agreement of its kind and aligns with the Ministry's efforts to revitalize the mining sector, increase its contribution to the national economy, and create sustainable employment opportunities in line with the Economic Modernization Vision.

Agreement Signing Ceremonies:

On the sidelines of the visit, WAM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Vocational Training Corporation (VTC) to establish a specialized training center in Abu Khusheiba. The initiative aims to develop national talent and enhance the skills of Jordanian professionals seeking careers in the mining sector, covering a broad range of specialties and certification levels.

Key elements of the initiative include:

• Establishing a specialized training center in mining, mineral processing, geology, and environmental sustainability.

• Developing and delivering accredited training programs aligned with international standards and local labor market needs.

• Promoting economic empowerment and employment opportunities for youth and local communities through training and workforce development initiatives.

• Providing the necessary facilities and equipment to support training activities.

• Managing and operating the training center in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders.

• Cooperating on the design, development, and accreditation of training programs.

• Engaging and recruiting target beneficiaries for training programs.

• Providing qualified trainers and technical experts to deliver specialized courses.

• Facilitating connections with employers and supporting practical training opportunities at mining sites.

  
  

WAM signed another Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSA Consultants, an independent technical consultancy specializing in geology, exploration, mineral resources, mining, and environmental solutions, and Gold Pyramid Group (GPG), a diversified mining services provider focused on gold and precious metals exploration within the Arab-Nubian Shield. Under this partnership, WAM, MSA, and GPG will collaborate with the Vocational Training Centre (VTC) to develop and deliver specialized training programs in mining, geology, and mineral exploration.

The proposed training programs will cover key technical and operational areas, including:

• Fundamentals of Economic Geology and Mineral Deposits.

• Exploration Techniques, Mapping, and Sampling Methods.

• GIS and Remote Sensing for Mineral Exploration.

• Drilling Operations, Core Logging, and QA/QC Procedures.

• Mine Planning, Resource Estimation, and Reporting Standards (JORC/CRIRSCO).

• Health, Safety, and Environmental Management in Mining.

• Community Engagement and Social Performance in the Mining Sector.

Training may be delivered through short courses, modular programs, or comprehensive hybrid learning pathways that combine theoretical instruction with practical on-site training, tailored to the requirements of the VTC and industry stakeholders.

The visit also witnessed the signing of a drilling services contract between WAM and Golden Compass, a leading Saudi Arabian company specializing in drilling operations, geological surveys, resource evaluation, and mining consultancy services. The agreement will support the execution of exploration drilling activities using advanced technologies, modern equipment, and highly experienced technical teams.

The drilling program will include:

• Total drilling meterage: Approximately 3,000–4,000 m.

• Drilling methodology: PQ3 triple-tube drilling through overburden, transitioning to HQ3 triple-tube in the target zone.

• Target: Collection of data to support the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE).

• Number of boreholes: Approximately 100–140 boreholes.

• Program duration: Approximately 150 days, excluding mobilization. 

  
  

Abu Khusheiba Project Advancement Objectives:

Mr. Hani Al-Asmar, General Manager of WAM, highlighted the project's significant economic and investment potential. He announced that the company plans to establish its first Small-Scale-Processing Plant during the current year, with a planned annual processing capacity ranging between 1,000 and 3,000 tons of copper cathode.

Mr. Al-Asmar also reaffirmed the company's commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and local community development. He noted that WAM has actively engaged with community leaders and stakeholders in Abu Khusheiba through a series of consultation meetings, resulting in the formation of a joint committee dedicated to maintaining ongoing communication and coordinating workforce and service requirements.

The project is expected to contribute significantly to job creation and workforce development, generating direct and indirect employment opportunities. These opportunities will be supported through vocational training programs delivered at the planned training center in cooperation with the Vocational Training Corporation.

As part of its commitment to responsible mining practices, the company has initiated an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) through a licensed environmental consultancy to ensure that project activities are conducted in accordance with environmental protection standards while supporting sustainable economic development.

During the visit, company representatives presented key project achievements and ongoing initiatives that reflect international best practices in environmental sustainability, community engagement, capacity building, and value creation for the Jordanian economy.