Gold Mining Project Worth $20 Million Launched in Kunduz

Work on a gold mining project worth $20 million has begun in Qala-e-Zal district of Kunduz province.

Officials said the mining contract has been signed for five years, with the Islamic Emirate set to receive 30 percent of the profits.

Abdullah, an engineer at the Kunduz Department of Mines and Petroleum, said: “Work has begun on an area covering around six kilometers. The gold deposits here are alluvial, and extraction will begin after exploration activities are completed.”

Abdul Khalil Nazari, a representative of the contracting company, said: “For now, we and our partners have planned an investment of $20 million and allocated $200,000 for road construction. In addition, the project will create job opportunities for around 400 people.”

Residents of Kunduz welcomed the project, saying it could create employment opportunities and improve the economic situation of local communities.

Amir Mohammad Aimaq, a Kunduz resident, said: “We ask the Islamic Emirate to create job opportunities through such projects so that people will not be forced to travel abroad through dangerous and illegal routes.”

Habibullah, another Kunduz resident, said: “These projects will create jobs for people. Since this district is less developed than others, they will also help bring some development to the area.”

Officials from the Kunduz Department of Mines and Petroleum and the contracting company said more than $200,000 would also be allocated for the construction of the main road in Qala-e-Zal district and other development projects to address the problems faced by local residents.