The challenge
I worked with mining start-up Jordan Energy & Mining (JEML) for several years, acting as the company’s marketing function. The UK-registered business specialises in the mining and processing of oil shale, with its first project in Jordan. JEML operating company Karak International Oil is employing leading-edge technology and specialist expertise to unlock the potential of Jordan’s oil shale reserves – the fourth largest in the world. I was commissioned to write an annual review to demonstrate to investors how this untapped natural resource will help Jordan meet its domestic energy requirements and reduce its dependence on oil imports.
Solution
Drawing on interviews with JEML’s founders and their extensive research, I distilled the messages from bankable feasibility studies and investor presentations to produce a well-substantiated annual review that made a convincing case for the potential of oil shale as an alternative fuel source.
Results
The annual review was instrumental in JEML securing the funding it required from bankers and venture capitalists to progress its oil shale mining project at Al Lajjun, Jordan. The project will make a huge difference to Jordan’s economy. His Excellency Dr Khaled Toukan, former Minister of Energy & Mineral Resources, remarked: “This major new oil shale venture will make a significant contribution to the government’s declared energy strategy to increase energy from indigenous oil shale resources from zero to 14% of the country’s energy requirements by 2020 and thereby reduce our reliance on imported oil and gas products from our neighbours.”
