RASC News Agency: The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of the Taliban group has officially announced the signing of memoranda for the extraction of 53 mines, amounting to a total value of seven billion dollars, for this year. These agreements have been entered into with both domestic and foreign companies, specifically targeting the sectors of mineral extraction, iron, lead, and precious stones.
According to officials from the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, the Taliban group has been entrusted with the mining operations of nine large-scale mines and forty-four small-scale mines, which will be managed by mixed companies. It is important to note that contracts for the extraction of large mines have been signed with both domestic and foreign companies, while small mines have been exclusively contracted to domestic companies.
Taliban group officials have emphasized that one of the conditions set by the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum for contracted companies is the requirement to process raw materials within the country. This stipulation aims to promote local economic development and ensure the maximum benefit for the Afghanistani people.
However, experts within the country have raised concerns over the actions of the Taliban group, viewing them as a exploitative form of mining that goes against societal moral standards. Reports suggest that the Taliban heavily relies on mining and the sale of minerals as their primary source of income, which they use to sustain their regime. Unfortunately, it has been observed that the funds generated from mining activities in Afghanistan are primarily utilized for personal purposes by the Taliban group, rather than being directed towards the country’s development and addressing national issues.
Furthermore, it has been revealed that the Taliban group has chosen to employ religious scholars, such as Mullahs and Maolawians, to oversee the mining process instead of qualified professionals. This decision has raised concerns about the lack of expertise and proper management within the industry.
