Khaberni - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources signed a memorandum of understanding today, Monday, with the British company Hotspur Helium, to begin exploration and prospecting for "helium gas" in the Dead Sea area for two years.
The memorandum was signed by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Dr. Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, and on behalf of the British company, its Chairman Lord George Percy.
Al-Kharabsheh stated on the sidelines of the signing that this agreement is the first dedicated to the exploration of helium gas, noting that this project will be a unique opportunity to open other opportunities in the mining sector.
He added that the ministry has a significant interest in the mining sector, with ongoing efforts to exploit the natural resources available in the kingdom, which aligns with the economic modernization vision and the need to focus on high-value-added sectors.
Al-Kharabsheh clarified that "helium gas" is considered one of the elements that experiences high demand globally, as this gas is used in artificial intelligence industries and in many medical applications, semiconductor manufacturing, and other industries.
He explained that the company has presented a work program to be implemented over the next two years, indicating that if the project proves feasible and yields positive results, the transition to signing a concession agreement for exploring the element will occur.
Al-Kharabsheh pointed out that the helium element was not previously included in Jordanian laws and legislation, but has recently been added as one of the strategic elements that require exploitation through a special law such as an executive or concession agreement upon completion of the exploration phase.
He noted that the feasibility of exploiting geothermal energy will be explored with the company, particularly given the presence of several hot springs in the Dead Sea area.
For his part, Lord George Percy, Chairman of the British company Hotspur Helium, stated that the experience of working in Jordan is extremely positive, noting that "helium gas" is considered a promising and important field worldwide.
Percy added that helium is an indispensable element, as neither artificial intelligence nor semiconductor manufacturing could exist without it, nor could rockets be launched into space without it, pointing out that all these sectors possess large markets and continue to grow.
He indicated that what the company seeks in Jordan is to separate helium production from oil and gas to make it a standalone commodity, allowed to be exported for uses in semiconductor manufacturing, MRI machines, and other industries to various countries around the world.
Percy added that Jordan is particularly interested in this field because the kingdom has a unique regional location and hosts an important educational and institutional environment related to helium technologies.
Under the memorandum, Hotspur Helium is committed to conducting geophysical surveys and advanced field studies, including preparing geological maps of gas fields and assessing the economic viability of the expected quantities, in addition to transferring expertise and training national personnel on rare gas exploration technologies.
It is expected that the project will contribute to supporting the national economy by providing a new high-value resource, enhancing exports, creating specialized job opportunities for Jordanian youth in the fields of geology and engineering, as well as positioning the kingdom on the map of countries producing rare gases globally.
This agreement comes after the Cabinet's decision, in November last year, to approve a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and Hotspur Helium to explore helium gas in the Dead Sea area, as part of the government's directions to exploit the natural resources available, where the price of helium gas is several times the price of natural gas, and it is a rare element used in cooling and precision industries and reduces pollution.
