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Al Hasa Phosphate Mine
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The Al Hasa Phosphate Mine is one of Jordan's oldest and most significant mining sites, located in the Tafilah Governorate, about 140 kilometers south of Amman. It is operated by the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC), a world leader in the production of phosphate rock. Since its opening in the 1960s, the mine has played a vital role in Jordan's export economy, as phosphate is one of the country's top export commodities. Extraction is carried out through open-cast mining methods, utilizing heavy machinery to harvest valuable ore from the desert terrain. The mined material is either exported raw or processed into fertilizers at domestic facilities. A dedicated railway line connects the mine to the Port of Aqaba, ensuring efficient logistics for the global market. The mine is not only an industrial hub but also a major employer in Jordan's underdeveloped southern region.
- Location: Jordan
- Top sights: Al Hasa Castle · Er-Ruweihi
- Nearby: Al-Mazar al-Janubi (38 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 7 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 22 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 21 | 14 | 9 |
| Rain mm | 37 | 32 | 17 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 13 | 22 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Al Hasa Phosphate Mine serves as a colossal pillar of Jordan's industrial landscape, profoundly shaping the economic destiny and employment structure of the vast Tafilah region.
Visiting
As a heavily regulated and active industrial extraction site, direct tourist access to the inner workings of the phosphate mine is generally strictly prohibited for obvious safety reasons.
Where to view it
Travelers traversing the Desert Highway can frequently catch sweeping, distant glimpses of the monumental earth-moving machinery and sprawling processing facilities rising above the arid plains.
Local products
While the mine itself produces raw industrial minerals, the surrounding communities often offer traditional Bedouin crafts, regional hospitality items, and locally sourced agricultural goods to passing visitors.
Active season
The colossal mining operations typically run continuously throughout the year, though the visual impact is most striking during the clearer, cooler months of spring and autumn when the desert dust settles.
Nearby
A journey observing this industrial giant pairs remarkably well with exploring the sweeping Dana Biosphere Reserve or traversing the historical routes leading toward the ancient city of Petra further south.
Geography
Facts
- The mine commenced its official operations in 1962.
- It is owned and operated by the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC).
- Jordan is ranked as the world's second largest phosphate exporter.
- The mine is situated along the route of the historic Hijaz Railway.
- Millions of tons of phosphate rock are extracted here annually.
- The ore is primarily used for manufacturing fertilizers and phosphoric acid.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Al Hasa Phosphate Mine (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is mined at Al Hasa?
It is one of Jordan's most important phosphate mining areas.
Where is the mine located?
About 140 km south of Amman on the Desert Highway.
Are guided tours possible?
No, it is an active mining site closed for safety reasons.
Where is the phosphate exported?
Mostly through the Port of Aqaba to the entire world.
How long has the mine been in operation?
Mining began as early as the 1960s.
Al Hasa Phosphate Mine: where is it located?
Al Hasa Phosphate Mine is located in Jordan.
Al Hasa Phosphate Mine: what is there to see?
Highlights include Al Hasa Castle, Er-Ruweihi.
Al Hasa Phosphate Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
Al Hasa Phosphate Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Al Hasa Phosphate Mine is one of Jordan's oldest and most significant mining sites, located in the Tafilah Governorate, about 140 kilometers south of Amman.
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