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Opening the fourth Arab Mining and Minerals Conference, Zawati said that many countries are seeking to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels to face climate change risks, including the increase in global temperatures, the prevalence of forest fires, floods and other natural disasters, according to a ministry statement.
This year is the first time the conference is held out of the UK. Jordan was chosen due to its geographical location and rich resources.
The minister added that successive Jordanian governments have focused their efforts towards realising sustainability through innovation and implementing new mining technologies to help the world become more sustainable.
In the two-day event, Zawati also reviewed some indicators of Jordan’s mining sector. She noted that the sector contributes to almost 7.6 per cent of the GDP and 19 per cent of the Kingdom’s exports.
Zawati said that Jordan is among the biggest producers of potash, phosphate, bromine, fertilisers and chemical acids in the world. Jordan has produced potash since 1983, phosphate since 1953 and exports chalks to 100 countries around the world.
She also noted that the Dead Sea region represents a unique opportunity for investment in mining industries.
Yousef Janabi, Undersecretary of Iraq’s Industry Ministry, stressed the importance of developing the mineral resources sector in the Arab region through exchanging information, preparing geological maps and ensuring the best use of natural resources.
Australia’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Bernard Lynch reviewed his country’s 150-year expertise in the sector. He noted that Australia’s sector exports over the past 20 years has totalled some JD145 billion.
In addition to participants from the Kingdom, the event attracted participants from Iraq, Mauritania, the UAE, the UK, the US, France and Australia.
