Overall Objective:

To increase Foreign Direct Investment into Jordan’s mining sector, and thus creating more direct and indirect jobs while increasing government revenues.

Specific objective:

To support the implementation of Jordan’s National Mining Strategy in line with EU standards and international best practices.

The elements targeted include the Economic Modernization Vision 2026 – 2029, the Jordan National Mining Sector Strategy, as well as the Natural Resources Law.

The Jordan National Mining Sector Strategy adopted in 2023 by MEMR outlines a comprehensive plan to transform Jordan’s mining sector into a significant pillar of the national economy.  The strategy focuses on maximizing the socio-economic contributions of the mining value chain by creating an investor-friendly environment supported by a reliable institutional framework.  The report identifies key strengths, such as Jordan’s diverse mineral potential, geopolitical stability, and existing phosphate and potash expertise, while addressing critical bottlenecks like high power costs, limited water access, and an unclear regulatory framework. The strategy emphasizes the importance of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to accelerate exploration and develop new value chains for metallic minerals like copper, gold, lithium, and rare earth elements (REEs).

The report proposes 14 strategic recommendations across licensing, fiscal, governance, and regulatory reforms, with six identified as “quick wins” for immediate implementation.  These include defining mining-specific investment incentives, establishing a “single window” for streamlined collaboration, improving the geoscience database, and enacting competitive mineral royalty rates. The recommendations aim to enhance transparency, reduce discretionary decision-making, and align Jordan’s mining framework with global best practices. Additionally, the strategy highlights the need for scaling up sector promotion efforts to address market misperceptions and build trust with investors.

The roadmap also emphasizes the importance of downstream developments to unlock the full potential of Jordan’s mining sector. For example, leveraging Jordan’s expertise in phosphate and potash to expand into value-added products and exploring opportunities in lithium, copper, and REEs.  The report underscores the need for enablers such as competitive utility access, fiscal incentives, and effective waste management to support these developments.  It also stresses the importance of sustainable and socially responsible mining practices to maintain the sector’s social license to operate.

The strategy envisions a phased approach to implementation, starting with quick wins to build momentum and investor confidence.  By addressing critical bottlenecks, fostering institutional collaboration, and aligning with international standards, Jordan aims to position its mining sector as a globally competitive and sustainable contributor to the national economy.  The report highlights the transformative potential of the sector, projecting significant growth in GDP, employment, exports, and fiscal revenues over the next decade.