KABUL (SW) – Officials at the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum report that following the resurgence of the Islamic Emirate, companies from China, Iran, Turkey, Qatar, and the United Kingdom have invested $7 billion in eight major mines in Afghanistan.
Homayoun Afghan, spokesperson for the ministry, stated that this amount will be allocated to exploration, extraction of mines, establishment of factories, and ensuring financial guarantees and supplies.
He further said: “Contracts for the gold mine in Takhar province, the Aynak Copper Mine, and offshore oil extraction in the Amu Darya Basin have been awarded to Chinese companies.”
The ministry spokesperson emphasized that an Iranian company has been awarded contracts for two iron ore blocks in Ghoryan district of Herat province, while a Turkish and a British company each have contracts for one iron ore block in Ghoryan. Additionally, a Qatari company has invested in the Jabal al-Saraj cement project.
However, some economic experts stress the importance of ensuring that the contracts signed by the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum comply with Afghanistan’s laws and safeguard national interests.
Shabir Bashiri, an economic expert, believes that investments in Afghanistan’s mines can drive economic growth. He added, “Even if these mines are only in the research phase and extraction or processing has not yet begun, they can contribute to sustainable economic growth in the country.”
According to officials at the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, contracts for major mines have been signed for 30 years, with the first five years designated for the exploration phase.
