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Mining sector expected to generate over 30,000 jobs by 2033 – ministry

Production sites of the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC) in Al Shediyeh (JPMC photo)
Production sites of the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC) in Al Shediyeh (JPMC photo)

Growth driven by expanded exploration, mining activities and downstream processing industries

By Ahmad Khatatneh | 14:41 June 24, 2026 |
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AMMAN — Jordan’s mining sector currently employs more than 9,000 workers, but is expected to generate over 30,000 jobs over the next decade as the industry expands its operations and related value chains, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

According to official figures, the mining and quarrying sector contributes about 2.2 per cent of GDP, valued at around JD700 million, and is expected to reach JD2.1 billion within the next decade. Exports currently stand at around JD1 billion, with expectations of increasing to JD3.4 billion over the same period, in line with the Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV).

In remarks to The Jordan Times, the ministry said that Jordan’s critical and strategic minerals include rare earth elements, copper, gold, lithium, rock phosphate, potash and other minerals linked to industrial applications and modern technologies.

“These resources have been identified through geological surveys and exploration programmes across different regions of the Kingdom,” the ministry said, stressing that no confirmed economic reserves are currently available, as most projects remain in early exploration and evaluation stages.

A mining sector strategy prepared by Wood Mackenzie in cooperation with the ministry estimates that the sector could generate around 30,000 direct and indirect job opportunities by 2033.

The ministry said that the expected increase is linked to expanded exploration activities, mining operations and the development of downstream processing industries, which would broaden the sector’s employment base beyond extraction activities.

“Jordan produces qualified graduates in mining-related fields, but that sector expansion will require additional specialised training and practical experience aligned with international standards,” the ministry said.

It stressed that strengthening vocational and technical training programmes will be necessary to meet future labour market needs as projects scale up.

The ministry also said that the government is pursuing policies aimed at maximising the value of critical and strategic minerals through local value addition rather than exporting them in raw form, including legislation to restrict raw exports and encourage the establishment of local processing and manufacturing industries. It also plans to establish a national geological information database.

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