Mineral Resources Ministry study finds abundance of silica in Maan

AMMAN — A study conducted by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources estimated silica (glass sand) quantities in Maan to be 12 billion tonnes, with a 99 per cent purity ratio, 22,000 tonnes of which are consumed by the local market, according to a ministry statement issued on Thursday.

Head of the Laboratories Department at the ministry Omar Tahat suggested building an industrial city for silica products, to produce 255 products that could replace similar imports.

He added that the project would play a developmental role by increasing investment opportunities. Tahat said that Jordanian silica aligns with international specifications and is available in abundance, easy to mine and close to the Aqaba port.

The manager highlighted that the ministry is keen on tapping into the silica reserve by attracting investments to establish a national industry to cover local needs, supply hard currency and provide jobs.