On Sunday, January 11, 2026, the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan announced the departure of an official technical delegation consisting of 20 specialized and technical staff members to the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Kabul 24: The delegation, led by the heads of the Institute of Mines and the Directorate of Technical Inspection, will participate in a 28-day professional capacity-building and skills development training program in the field of mining.
According to the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, the primary objectives of this visit include:Inspection and study of various technical sections of standardized laboratories
Familiarization with advanced laboratory equipment and modern testing methodologies
Practical exchange of experiences in the mining sector
This initiative is being carried out within the framework of technical and scientific cooperation between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, with a strong focus on improving laboratory standards, enhancing quality control of mineral resources, and strengthening the technical capabilities of Afghan mining professionals.Uzbekistan, a neighboring country with extensive experience in the mining industry and related processing sectors, provides an ideal platform for knowledge and technology transfer.
Experts believe that such targeted training programs can play a vital role in the sustainable development of Afghanistan’s mining sector.
The country possesses vast mineral reserves—including copper, iron, gold, lithium, rare earth elements, and precious stones—making the modernization of technical infrastructure and laboratory systems essential for efficient and internationally compliant extraction and processing.
In recent years, the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has placed increasing emphasis on regional cooperation, particularly with neighboring countries such as Uzbekistan.
Previous joint projects in natural gas, energy, and other sectors have already been implemented, and these engagements are seen as important steps toward Afghanistan’s economic self-reliance.
The delegation comprises key specialists from the Institute of Mines and the Technical Inspection Directorate. Upon their return, participants are expected to apply the acquired knowledge to upgrade domestic laboratory systems, introduce modern quality control procedures, and train other ministry staff.
This move reflects the Ministry’s serious commitment to human resource development, technical improvement, and overall enhancement of service quality in the mining sector—efforts that are expected to contribute significantly to increased national revenue, job creation, and long-term sustainable economic growth in Afghanistan.
