The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) on Wednesday sealed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the fields of mining and exploration of rare minerals in Dubaidib area, east of the coastal city of Aqaba.

Under the MoU and within a maximum period of two years, preliminary assessment and geological surveys will be conducted at an area of 2,400 square kilometers, aside from natural, archaeological and geological reserves, as well as areas where mining rights have been granted to other parties.

In remarks, Energy Minister Saleh Al-Kharabsheh said that the MoU entails the exploration of 17 rare-earth elements besides lithium in the Dubaidib area, pointing out that the ministry's initial exploration indicates that of these elements are available in good quantities in the region.

Companies interested in exploiting strategic minerals are encouraged to directly submit bid requests to the ministry, Kharabsheh said.