How much phosphate does Jordan produce?

Jordan’s proven reserves of phosphates stand at 1.5 billion tons, enough to last for the foreseeable future. At Ruseifa, there are four beds lying one above the other and interleaved with layers of limestone like a four-decker sandwich.

What is mining of Jordan?

Jordan’s mining sector is considered the cornerstone to the Jordanian economy. The mining industry in Jordan is dominated by the production of phosphate, potash, building and decoration stones, glass sand and other nonmetallic resources.

Can phosphate be mined?

Phosphate rock is mined mostly by surface methods using draglines and bucket wheel excavators for large deposits and power shovels or earthmovers for smaller deposits. Underground mines use the room-and-pillar method, similar to coal mining.

Why is phosphate mining bad?

Synthetic phosphate fertilizer poses a serious threat to our environment. Phosphate rock mining, along with the inorganic fertilizers and animal feed supplements and pesticides for which phosphate is mined, pollute our air, contaminate our water and destroy invaluable wildlife habitat.

Where are the phosphate mines located in Jordan?

The company operates 3 mining facilities in Jordan and a chemical manufacturing complex in Aqaba. The company is listed on the Amman Stock Exchange ‘s ASE Weighted Index as “JOPH”.

What kind of mineral resources does Jordan have?

The mining sector does not play a significant role in its economy. In 2010, Jordan produced significant amount of bromine and phosphate rock. It was ranked the sixth and seventh producer of phosphate rock and potash in the world, respectively. Jordan also produced other mineral commodities in lesser quantities.

Where are the uranium mines located in Jordan?

In 2010, global company, Areva Group S.A. gained exclusive rights to explore and produce uranium for 25 years in the central region of Jordan. Areva along with Jordan Energy Resources Inc. created Jordanian French Uranium Mining Co. (JFUMC) to fulfill its uranium exploration mission.

Who are the major mining companies in Jordan?

Other companies that are showing keen interest in Jordan’s uranium are Australian Rio Tinto and the Chinese Sino Uranium. In the same year, Jordan Atomic Energy Commission made a deal with Rio Tinto Alcan of Australia and UK to conduct exploration activities to locate uranium, zirconium, and thorium in Jordan.