Amman, Head of the Lower House Energy and Mineral Resources Committee, MP Talal Ensour, stressed the importance of “optimally” benefiting from Jordan’s mineral resources, in a bid to build a “better” future for coming generations.
Chairing a committee meeting on Sunday, attended by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Saleh Kharabsheh, Ensour stressed the need to take advantage of investment opportunities in Jordan’s energy sector and memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with Al-Majarrah for Oil Shale Com. to exploit oil shale in southern Lajjun area.
Ensour stressed need to seize investment opportunities in the energy sector, which would have a “major” role in achieving Jordan’s development and creating job opportunities.
The lawmaker noted discussion of the MoU aims to dodge incurring the state Treasury any amounts in the event of an error, adding that the memo signed with Al-Majarrah for Oil Shale Com. and Natural Resources Authority (NRA) to exploit oil shale was inked with a newly established firm in the energy field.
For his part, Kharabsheh said geological studies revealed phosphates reserves within areas of the Risha Basin, as a tender was floated, adding that “the appropriate offer was picked.”
Jordan is divided into 10 areas for oil exploration, he said, adding that the ministry is awaiting outcomes on Sarhan well deposits, as the project is implemented during the exploration phase by national teams, in cooperation with National Petroleum Company PLC (NPC), he said.
Regarding the memo signed with Al-Majarrah for Oil Shale Com., he noted: “MoU is not binding to the government, and does not incur any expenses.”
The minister also noted: ” This company wants to study 15 square kilometers for a 2-year period. If terms and conditions are implemented, the MoU is approved according to an agreement and sent to Jordan’s Parliament”.
With regard to the deputies’ inquiries about Iraqi oil deliveries, Kharabsheh said Jordan’s agreement with Iraq to supply oil to Jordan at preferential prices expires at end of next March, after it was finally renewed for a 3-month period.
Jordan cannot receive more than 15,000 barrels per day due to the nature of oil and Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company Ltd (JPRC) capacity, he said.
Also, Kharabsheh said talks were held with Iraqi oil minister aimed to renewing the agreement and increasing Jordan’s share, stressing that “Iraq made promises to increase oil quantity exported to Jordan if the required quantities are available.”
Source: Jordan News Agency