Kazakh Mining Firm Begins Exploration in Afghanistan
A Kazakh company named Kazakhmys Barlau has begun exploration operations in Afghanistan’s mining sector.
The company has described Afghanistan as a promising location for mineral extraction and stated that the country possesses high-purity reserves of lead and zinc.
At the same time, the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, referring to the close ties between Kabul and Astana, says that Afghanistan has vast mineral reserves and that Kazakhstan has the capacity to invest in these resources.
Homayoun Afghan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, said: “Kazakhstan, on the one hand, maintains good relations with the Islamic Emirate, and on the other, Kazakh companies have sufficient capacity in the mining sector. Afghanistan holds extensive mineral reserves and is working with major companies to ensure Afghan minerals are extracted in a standard manner and processed within the country.”
Meanwhile, some economic experts say that foreign investment in the mining sector could contribute to the country’s economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development.
Abdul Nasir Reshtia, an economic analyst, said: “Whenever the political problem is resolved and Afghanistan is officially recognized by the international community, there is no doubt that the world, regional countries, and neighbors will seek to invest in Afghanistan. Overall, they are waiting for this issue to be resolved.”
Qotbuddin Yaqubi, another economic expert, said: “Given the capacities present in both Afghanistan and Kazakhstan, this partnership could play a vital and effective role in the exploration, extraction, and processing of Afghan minerals.”
This comes as Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan, in a meeting with his special envoy for Afghan affairs, emphasized the expansion of bilateral engagement with Islamic Emirate officials.
Kazakhstan and Afghanistan have signed a memorandum of understanding on the basic principles for the construction and operation of a railway line linking Central Asia to South Asia.
