The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan has announced that it signed 109 mineral extraction contracts with domestic companies during the past solar year (1404), with a total value exceeding 10 billion Afghanis.
kabul 24: According to the ministry, these contracts cover various minerals including salt, lead, zinc, gypsum, and other resources. One of the agreements is classified as a large-scale contract.
The combined value of all signed contracts stands at more than 10 billion and 209 million Afghanis.In addition to signing new contracts, the ministry conducted field surveys on 272 mineral sites across 23 provinces of the country.
These surveyed areas contain 73 different types of minerals, such as marble, gypsum, limestone, and several other valuable resources.Humayun Afghan, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, stated: “During the solar year 1404, the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum surveyed 272 mineral zones in 23 provinces. These areas include 73 varieties of minerals, encompassing marble, gypsum, limestone, and other materials.”The ministry further revealed that interest in investing in Afghanistan’s mining sector has grown significantly, particularly from countries in Central Asia.
Officials expressed optimism that this rising attention could lead to greater foreign investment in the near future.Economic experts believe that the systematic development of the mining sector holds substantial potential for job creation, revenue generation, and overall economic growth in Afghanistan.
However, they stress the importance of extracting and processing minerals according to international standards, with full transparency and environmental responsibility.
Analysts note that Afghanistan possesses vast untapped mineral wealth, and proper management of this sector could play a transformative role in the country’s economy. They recommend that future contracts should prioritize local employment, technology transfer, and long-term sustainability.
The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum continues to promote investment opportunities, aiming to turn Afghanistan’s rich underground resources into a major driver of national development. With increased surveys and new contracts signed, officials hope to accelerate progress in this vital economic sector in the coming years.
If these efforts are managed effectively, the mining industry could become one of the strongest pillars of Afghanistan’s economy, providing thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to government revenue.
