Uzbekistan and Jordan have signed agreements to cooperate in exploring uranium, copper, rare metals, and other critical mineral deposits.

The announcement came during a working visit to Amman by Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Geology, Rustam Yusupov, accompanied by representatives from state mining companies including the Technological Metals Complex, Uzbek Overseas Geology Company, and Navoiyuran.

During talks, Navoiyuran specialists and the Jordan Uranium Mining Company reviewed uranium prospects, while the Jordanian National Arab Mining Company signed a memorandum with Uzbekistan to explore copper, rare metals, and industrial minerals. A joint working group has been formed, and a roadmap for cooperation has been adopted.

What’s Behind the Move & Why It Matters

One of the key drivers of this cooperation is the relatively modest scale of existing trade relations between the two countries. In 2024, bilateral trade turnover amounted to approximately $6.9 million. Against this backdrop, Uzbekistan brings substantial geological expertise and mining capacity, while Jordan aims to diversify its mineral sector. Given the rising global demand for critical minerals and uranium, the partnership holds significant strategic potential for both sides.

Challenges & Considerations

Executing such mineral exploration programmes demands large investment, technical capacity, and strict environmental and regulatory compliance. Moreover, global mineral prices—especially for uranium and rare metals—are volatile, which increases financial risk. For the cooperation to succeed, both sides will need not only to align policy (e.g. through Preferential Trade Agreements) but also ensure sustainable development and community benefits.

If technical, regulatory, and trade-barrier limitations are addressed, the partnership could leverage each country’s strengths to tap into growing global demand for critical resources.

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