By : JD
Jordan Daily – Prime Minister Dr. Jafar Hassan on Wednesday launched the $1.1 billion southern expansion project of Arab Potash Company, calling it “one of the largest strategic industrial projects in the Kingdom.”
During a meeting with the company’s board chairman Eng. Shehada Abu Hdaib, CEO Dr. Maen Nsour, and senior executives- attended by Energy Minister Dr. Saleh Kharabsheh ,Hassan praised the company’s “commitment to expanding its projects and opening new markets that enhance Jordan’s position in the potash industry and its derivatives.”
He said in a statement, the project “aligns with the Economic Modernization Vision aimed at increasing growth rates and providing job opportunities,” and stressed the importance of “preparing training and qualification opportunities for local communities and southern governorates to benefit from the employment opportunities at all stages of the project.”
The expansion aims to boost annual potash production by 740,000 tonnes, bringing total output to 3.7 million tonnes. It includes new evaporation ponds, a potash production plant, and a granulated potash facility, alongside advanced technical and engineering works. Preparatory work will begin in the second half of 2025, with construction expected to take four years.
Hassan also commended the company’s social responsibility initiatives, stating: “The government seeks to institutionalize corporate social responsibility, making it a systematic approach in partnership between the public and private sectors and the local community.”
Abu Hdaib described the expansion as “a pivotal step embodying the company’s deep commitment to sustainable growth,” adding that it would “enhance Jordan’s contribution to global food security by supplying fertilizers necessary for crop production.”
He said the board’s approval “reflects the firm belief of the company’s main shareholders in the importance of expanding investments in the Kingdom and enhancing the company’s global competitiveness,” noting that investment decisions follow “the highest standards of sound governance.”
Abu Hdaib thanked King Abdullah II for his “continuous royal support,” which he said “enabled the company to expand and achieve greater progress,” and praised the government for backing key projects.
He also recognized the Jordan Armed Forces for engineering support to “clear the project site of minefields, allowing for safe and efficient preparations.”
Dr. Nsour said the project is part of the company’s strategy, launched in 2019, to increase production by 30% by 2030, calling it “a practical step toward a more efficient and integrated production model.”
He said the expansion will not only raise volumes but “develop high value-added industries based on potash,” adding that the company aims to “enter new global markets with higher financial returns, such as Europe and the Americas,” while maintaining and growing its current market share.
“The project will generate significant financial returns for the company, benefiting the national economy, shareholders, employees, and local communities,” Nsour said, reaffirming the company’s commitment to “implementing the project in accordance with the highest technical and environmental standards.”
