In the eastern mountains of Afghanistan, a miner washes a block of jade, revealing its striking green color. This moment highlights the Taliban’s push to tap into the country’s rich mineral resources in hopes of attracting both local and foreign investment.
Since taking power in 2021, the Taliban has signed around 200 mining contracts, primarily with local firms. These agreements cover various minerals, including emeralds, rubies, marble, gold, and lithium, valued in the billions. Experts estimate Afghanistan’s untapped mineral riches could be worth over $1 trillion, creating significant opportunities for economic growth. However, this rush for resources raises concerns about potential environmental and economic harm due to insufficient oversight.
“We want Afghanistan to be self-sufficient, but there are challenges,” said Humayoun Afghan, a spokesman for the Ministry of Mines. He noted a lack of expertise and infrastructure as major hurdles. To overcome these issues, the Taliban is actively seeking investors, particularly those with mining knowledge, while focusing on immediately valuable resources like coal, talc, and chromite.
Mining tenders are frequently issued, and the Taliban is promoting projects to attract foreign companies. This effort appears to be bearing fruit, as the World Bank reported a 6.9% increase in mining and quarrying in 2023-24. However, many contracts have yet to result in full-scale mining operations. Javed Noorani, a mining expert, warns that the government may be pursuing more contracts than it can realistically handle.
The Taliban’s rise to power followed a long conflict with US and NATO forces, which caused many investors to leave when foreign troops withdrew. Now, with fewer active conflict zones and improved road access to resource-rich areas, the Taliban claims investor interest is on the rise.
China is leading this newfound interest. Few companies from the past regime remain operational, but Chinese firms, including the state-owned Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC), are stepping in. MCC has resumed work on the large Mes Aynak copper deposit, and other Chinese companies have secured significant contracts in gold and copper mining. Additionally, nations like Iran, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Qatar are exploring mining opportunities in Afghanistan.
Despite the prospects for economic development, experts are raising red flags about environmental risks and lack of regulation in the mining sector. Shir Baz Kaminzada, from the Afghanistan Chamber of Industries and Mines, explained that in countries with strict regulations, starting a mine can be very costly. In contrast, minimal oversight in Afghanistan may attract investors looking for lower expenses.
However, this approach can lead to serious environmental issues. Most of the material extracted during mining is not utilized, and improper disposal of waste can contaminate groundwater. Geophysicist David Chambers warns that companies often prioritize profit over safety, leading to long-term risks.
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