Islamic Emirate Awards 109 Mining Contracts Worth AFN 10.2 Billion

The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum told that during the last solar year (1404), it signed 109 mining extraction contracts worth more than AFN 10.2 billion with domestic companies.

The contracts cover the extraction of salt, lead, zinc, gypsum, and other minerals.

According to the ministry, one of the agreements was a large-scale mining contract, bringing the total value of all signed contracts to more than AFN 10.209 billion.

The ministry also said that 272 mining sites across 23 provinces were surveyed during the same year.

Humayoun Afghan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, said: “During the solar year 1404, the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum surveyed 272 mining sites in 23 provinces across the country. These sites contain 73 types of minerals, including marble, gypsum, calcite, limestone, and several other mineral resources.”

The ministry added that interest in investing in Afghanistan’s mining sector has increased, particularly among Central Asian countries.

Some economic analysts say developing the mining sector could create jobs and boost economic growth, but they stress that extraction and processing must be carried out transparently and according to technical standards.

Mojtaba Askari, an economic analyst, said: “Afghanistan’s mines are among the country’s most important natural resources and national assets. The better we manage and extract them, the greater their contribution to job creation and economic growth. This process must be carried out under an organized, transparent, and responsible management system.”

Another economic analyst, Abdul Nasir Rashtia, said: “If our mines are extracted according to technical standards and all stages of processing and production take place inside the country, we can generate substantial revenue. Increased mining income can help finance strategic and infrastructure development projects.”

Afghanistan possesses significant economic potential due to its abundant mineral resources.

In recent years, the Islamic Emirate has sought to attract investment and expand the mining sector by awarding extraction contracts.