Al-Wadi Al-Abyad mine is located southeast of the Jordanian capital, Amman, approximately 115 km away, and is administratively affiliated with the Karak Governorate.
Phosphate Rock Exploration
The phosphate deposits in the Al-Hasa and Al-Wadi Al-Abyad regions were discovered through geological surveys conducted by the American Parsons Company in the 1960s. Based on these findings, the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company undertook extensive exploration and drilling operations in the Al-Wadi Al-Abyad area, which confirmed the presence of phosphate reserves in the mine. Production at the Al-Wadi Al-Abyad mine commenced in 1979, with geological studies revealing that the phosphate occurs in lens-shaped formations dating back to the Upper Cretaceous period.
Phosphate Production at Al-Wadi Al-Abyad Mine
The Jordan Phosphate Mines Company established the essential infrastructure for phosphate mining and processing when operations at the Al-Wadi Al-Abyad mine began in 1979. This included the construction of bucket crushers, along with units for upgrading phosphate ore concentration and drying the washed phosphate produced from the concentration process.
Phosphate extracted from the Al-Wadi Al-Abyad mine is distinguished by its high P2O5 content, with some ores reaching up to 33%. Additionally, it is notable for its low impurity levels, particularly in silica, iron oxides, and aluminum, with silica content not exceeding 9%, and iron and aluminum oxides limited to 1.2%.
In 2023, the mine's production capacity reached 1.85 million tons.