Khaberni - The House of Representatives discussed the bill on validating the implementation agreement for the assessment, development, and exploitation of copper and associated minerals in the Abu Khashiba area, where Speaker Mazen Al-Qadi adjourned the session until further notice, enabling all representatives to fully express their opinions, observations, and suggestions regarding the bill.
This took place during a session held today, Wednesday, attended by members of the government team, and chaired for a part by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Ibrahim Al-Sarairah.
The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, confirmed "that the mining agreement was conducted in accordance with effective legislation and with transparent and complete procedures."
He said "that all requested documents have been submitted to the competent committee, including the official documents," adding "that the figures raised about the agreement are inaccurate. The Parliamentary Energy Committee has all documents, from the first phase of the memorandum of understanding to the implementation agreement."
Al-Kharabsheh explained "that legally, it is not permissible to grant a mining concession except to a locally registered company, hence any foreign company can only operate through a local entity subject to Jordanian law."
He continued "that the agreement imposes clear obligations on the company, any breach leads directly to the cancellation of the license," pointing out "that the discussion about reserving lands for 30 or 40 years is inaccurate, as projects are subject to ongoing monitoring and oversight."
Al-Kharabsheh confirmed "that mining projects are by nature long-term investments and extend for decades," noting "that global experiences in this sector confirm that some mines operate for more than 50 years."
He said "that the agreement is fully subject to Jordanian law in interpretation, implementation, and arbitration, and any arbitration procedures are conducted according to Jordanian law without detracting from national sovereignty."
Concerning the returns, Al-Kharabsheh clarified "that it is a progressive system starting from a percentage on revenues, and reaching higher percentages from net profits as they increase, in addition to taxes, mining fees, and community contributions," emphasizing "that the agreement is based on the Investment Environment Law, which regulates the legal framework for taxes, exemptions, and obligations."
On his part, the Minister of State for Legal Affairs, Fayad Al-Qadi, confirmed "that the agreement includes a set of essential guarantees that prevent the monopoly company from remaining in its current status," explaining that it should "later be transformed into a public shareholding company."
He said "that the company, whether existing or new, to which the concession rights are transferred, will be required to apply to the Securities Authority to offer 49 percent of its shares for public subscription, which allows Jordanian citizens and legal persons the opportunity to own and participate in the project without restrictions on the number of subscribers."
Al-Qadi indicated "that this approach means opening the door for all Jordanians to enter into ownership, where the subscription will be conducted according to the approved mechanisms, and if the demand exceeds the number of shares offered, allocation will be based on the set proportions," adding "that the founding shares will be subject to a trading ban period for two years."
He pointed to the fact that the share will be "offered at its nominal value of one dinar, with the possibility of adding an issuance premium determined by the Securities Authority according to its assessment of the company's assets, reputation, and future prospects," explaining "that being a newly established company might limit the rise of this premium according to the technical assessment."
Al-Qadi stressed "that the main goal of these arrangements is to end any monopolistic or exclusive character of the concession, and transform it into an open investment opportunity for Jordanians, thus enhancing popular participation in national wealth."
Regarding the arbitration clause, Al-Qadi stated that the applicable law is fully Jordanian law, while dispute resolution procedures are confined to the International Chamber of Commerce, adding that this clause reinforces the supremacy of Jordanian law over all rights and obligations."
Al-Qadi confirmed "that this balance represents an important gain, as it reassures investors while ensuring that the final legal reference is Jordanian law."
In turn, the representatives said "that we are discussing an agreement related to a sovereign national wealth, not owned by a transient government, nor a minister, nor a company," adding "we want an agreement that does not restrict the state later, and does not limit its right to legislate, monitor, and hold accountable."
They confirmed "we support respectable investment, but are against shielding the investor, except in accordance with the law," saying at the same time "that the state's right to legislate and supervise is above any agreement, and above any rush."
They mentioned "that the license granted to the company extends for 30 years," saying "that most termination clauses of the license are in favor of the company, not in favor of the state."
The House of Representatives referred, on the 24th of November 2025, the bill on the validation of the agreement, concluded between the government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and Wadi Araba Minerals Company for the license to engage in exploration, development, operation, production of minerals (copper and associated minerals) and their marketing to Wadi Araba Minerals Company for the year 2025, to the Parliamentary Energy and Mineral Resources Committee, which approved it on the 13th of April 2026.
It is noted that the Cabinet, during a session held on the 16th of November 2025, approved the bill.
The bill comes in compliance with the provisions of Article 117 of the Jordanian Constitution, which states: "It is necessary to validate any concession related to the investment of mines or minerals or public utilities by law," and also in execution of the provisions of Article 9 of the Natural Resources Law No. 19 for the year 2018, which states: "It is necessary to ratify production-sharing agreements or implementation agreements and the/licenses granted in accordance with the provisions of Article 117 of the Constitution."
This agreement falls within the framework of the government's efforts to support investment in the mining and natural resources sector, which enhances its contribution to supporting the national economy, developing local communities, providing employment opportunities, in addition to enhancing the competitiveness of the local product and reducing reliance on traditional sources.
