Ammon News - Jordan has commenced a high-resolution 3D seismic survey covering 4,285 square kilometers in the eastern Jafr area of Ma’an Governorate, as part of its national strategy to identify oil, gas, and other natural resources.

The survey is being implemented in partnership with the Arabian Geophysical and Surveying Company (ARGAS), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. With a total cost of JD22 million, the eight-month operation aims to provide critical geological data that could pave the way for future oil and gas exploration.

According to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the survey’s findings are expected within 24 months. Once results are confirmed, the area will be offered to specialized energy companies as a potential investment opportunity.

The project is part of broader efforts under the Economic Modernization Vision (2023–2025) to develop the energy and mining sectors, and is funded through revenues from the Hamza oil field.

Energy Minister Saleh Kharabsheh emphasized the significance of the project during a recent field visit, describing it as a core component of Jordan’s efforts to maximize the use of local natural resources. He highlighted that the project aligns with both the national modernization plan and the ministry’s long-term energy strategy.

"The project builds on previous exploration efforts, but it stands out due to the advanced technology being used. This stage focuses on data collection and analysis, which will guide future exploration activities," the minister said.

He added that only 5% of Jordan’s territory has been covered by 3D seismic surveys, underlining the importance of expanding exploration work to additional areas. He also announced plans to assign a global firm to process and interpret the data collected.

The agreement with ARGAS was signed in October 2024 and is considered a starting point for broader cooperation in the energy sector. The company is currently conducting the seismic study in accordance with international standards and a strict project timeline.

According to the Ministry, the survey aims to map underground geological structures and create a data-driven foundation for exploratory drilling. It is also expected to enhance Jordan’s attractiveness to international oil and gas companies.

Bahjat Al-Adwan, Director of Petroleum and Oil Shale at the Ministry, said the project will generate approximately 400 job opportunities, many of which will go to local residents in Jafr. He noted that the initiative complements other active projects in the Hamza and Sarhan fields, supporting national efforts to increase reliance on domestic energy sources.

ARGAS CEO Moath Al-Rawi described the project as a strategic entry point into the Jordanian market. He noted that ARGAS brings over six decades of global experience in geophysical and geological surveying for resource exploration.

The company’s Deputy CEO, Hisham Al-Tuwaijri, also emphasized ARGAS’s long-standing expertise and expressed optimism about the partnership with Jordan. "We are confident that the outcomes will be economically beneficial for Jordan," he said.

ARGAS, which operates both onshore and offshore surveys for global oil and gas clients, is part of Saudi Arabia’s TAQA Group. The company also offers data analysis, imaging services, and mineral exploration solutions. It maintains a registered office in Jordan and is actively working to attract foreign investment to the country’s energy and mining sectors.

The Economic Modernization Vision includes 50 initiatives for the energy sector and 18 for mining. It calls for the development of a national mining strategy, the establishment of an independent geological survey authority, and the provision of internationally standardized survey data.

The mining sector currently contributes 2.2% to Jordan’s GDP, amounting to JD700 million. According to the Vision, this figure is expected to rise to JD2.1 billion over the next decade. The sector employs over 9,000 workers, representing 0.6% of the national workforce, with projections reaching 27,000. Mining exports currently stand at JD1 billion and are anticipated to grow to JD3.4 billion within 10 years. Petra