The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan has announced the signing of a new contract for gold extraction in Qunduz province.
Kabul 24: The agreement, valued at more than 20 million US dollars, was signed on Sunday and marks a significant step toward reviving the country’s mining sector.According to an official statement from the ministry, the contract for the gold mine located in Qala-e-Zal district of Qunduz province was signed by Hedayatullah Badri, Minister of Mines and Petroleum.
The signing ceremony was attended by the ambassadors of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan, signaling growing regional interest in investing in Afghanistan’s mineral resources.The mining area spans approximately 5.97 square kilometers.
The total declared investment for the project stands at $20.24 million, with the contract valid for a period of five years.Under the terms of the agreement, the operating company is committed to paying 30 percent royalty to the Afghan government.
Additionally, the firm will invest $200,000 in social services and community development projects in the area.
The project is expected to create direct and indirect employment opportunities for around 100 people.This initiative is particularly important for Afghanistan’s economy, as it aims to generate government revenue, reduce unemployment, and support local development.
Qunduz province, located in northern Afghanistan, has long been known for its diverse mineral deposits.
However, many mining projects in the region have faced delays in recent years due to security challenges and technical issues.The successful signing of this contract sends a positive signal to other potential foreign and regional investors.
Ministry officials have emphasized that strict monitoring will be in place to ensure the company fulfills all its obligations, including timely royalty payments and social responsibility commitments.
From a social perspective, the allocation of funds for community services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvement in Qala-e-Zal district is expected to enhance the quality of life for local residents.
The reactivation of gold mines in northern Afghanistan could play a meaningful role in increasing state revenues and contributing to overall economic growth.
As more such contracts are signed and implemented successfully, the mining sector is anticipated to become a key driver of Afghanistan’s economy in the coming years.
