The Jordanian House of Representatives will continue, in a legislative session on Sunday, discussing the draft law ratifying the executive agreement for the assessment, development, and exploitation of copper and associated minerals in the Abu Khusheiba area.
The Council of Ministers had approved the draft law during a session held on November 16, 2025, and referred it to the House of Representatives.
On November 24, 2025, the House referred the draft law—covering the agreement between the Government of Jordan, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and the Wadi Araba Minerals Company—to the Parliamentary Energy and Mineral Resources Committee, which approved it on April 13, 2026.
The draft law comes in compliance with Article 117 of the Jordanian Constitution, which requires that any concession related to the exploitation of mines, minerals, or public utilities must be ratified by law. It also aligns with Article 9 of the Natural Resources Law No. 19 of 2018, which mandates approval of production-sharing agreements, executive agreements, and licenses under constitutional provisions.
The agreement is part of government efforts to support investment in the mining and natural resources sector, enhancing its contribution to the national economy, promoting local development, creating job opportunities, boosting the competitiveness of local products, and reducing reliance on traditional resources.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh stated that the mining agreement was conducted in accordance with applicable legislation and through transparent and complete procedures. He noted that all required documents were submitted to the relevant committee, including official records.
He added that figures circulating about the agreement are inaccurate, emphasizing that the parliamentary energy committee possesses all documents from the initial memorandum of understanding to the final agreement. He also clarified that, legally, mining concessions can only be granted to locally registered companies, meaning foreign companies must operate through a Jordanian entity.
Kharabsheh explained that the agreement imposes clear obligations on the company, and any violation would result in immediate cancellation of the license. He also stressed that claims about reserving land for 30 or 40 years are inaccurate, as such projects are subject to continuous monitoring and oversight.
He noted that mining projects are inherently long-term investments that can span decades, adding that global experience shows some mines operate for over 50 years. He confirmed that the agreement is fully governed by Jordanian law in terms of interpretation, implementation, and arbitration, with all arbitration procedures conducted under Jordanian law without compromising national sovereignty.
Regarding financial returns, Kharabsheh explained that the system is progressive, starting with a percentage of revenues and increasing to higher shares of net profits as they grow, in addition to taxes, mining fees, and community contributions. He emphasized that the agreement is based on the Investment Environment Law, which regulates taxation, exemptions, and obligations.
Minister of State for Legal Affairs Fayyad Al-Qudah stated that the agreement includes key guarantees to prevent monopoly, noting that the company will later be required to convert into a public shareholding company.
He explained that the company holding the concession must offer 49% of its shares for public subscription through the Securities Commission, allowing Jordanian citizens and entities to participate in ownership without restrictions on the number of subscribers.
He added that this approach opens the door for public participation in national resources, with shares allocated according to approved mechanisms if demand exceeds supply. Founding shares will be subject to a two-year lock-up period.
He also noted that shares will be offered at a nominal value of one Jordanian dinar, with the possibility of an additional premium determined by the Securities Commission based on the company’s assets, reputation, and future prospects.
Al-Qudah emphasized that the primary objective is to eliminate any monopolistic nature of the concession and transform it into an open investment opportunity for Jordanians, enhancing public participation in national wealth.
Regarding arbitration, he stated that Jordanian law will fully govern the agreement, while dispute resolution procedures will be handled through the International Chamber of Commerce, reinforcing the supremacy of Jordanian law over all rights and obligations.
Members of parliament, for their part, stressed that they are discussing an agreement related to a sovereign national resource, not owned by a temporary government, minister, or company. They emphasized the need for an agreement that does not restrict the state’s future legislative, regulatory, and oversight powers.
They affirmed support for responsible investment, but rejected granting excessive protections to investors beyond what the law allows, stressing that the state’s right to legislate and oversee remains above any agreement.
They also pointed out that the license granted to the company extends for 30 years, noting concerns that many termination clauses appear to favor the company rather than the state.
