Doha: Jordanian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Al Kharabsheh met with Rustam Yusupov, the visiting Uzbek Deputy Minister of Mining Industry and Geology, to discuss joint cooperation in the mining sector, focusing on exploration and exploitation of phosphate, uranium, and rare earth minerals.
According to Qatar News Agency, the discussions aim to facilitate the exchange of expertise and boost investments in the mining sector. A draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been provided to the Uzbek side, with plans for it to be signed in the near future.
Minister Al Kharabsheh noted that a study of the phosphate exploration project initiated in December 2021 indicated initial geological reserves in the Risha area, estimated at approximately 700 million metric tons in the project's first phase. He emphasized the Jordanian government's intention to exploit the country's mineral resources.
Deputy Minister Yusupov expressed that Uzbek mining companies are keen on investing in Jordan's mining sector. He highlighted that this meeting signifies the start of extensive cooperation with the Jordanian Ministry of Energy, as Uzbek companies aim to develop technical programs and plans for resource exploitation benefitting both nations.
Yusupov also mentioned that joint teams from both countries will be formed to conduct economic and technical studies and collect samples from agreed-upon mining sites.