Indian Investors Interested In Afghanistan’s Copper & Iron Mines
The Taliban’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum says Indian investors have expressed interest in investing in Afghanistan’s mining sector, particularly in copper and iron extraction.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum says Indian investors have expressed interest in investing in Afghanistan’s mining sector, particularly in copper and iron extraction.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry said Hesamuddin Saberi, deputy minister for finance and administration, discussed potential investment opportunities with an Indian delegation. Saberi welcomed the proposal and said the Taliban is prepared to cooperate and provide the necessary facilitation to attract foreign investment in the mining sector.
According to the ministry, the Indian delegation described the Taliban’s conditions for foreign investment in mining as favourable.
The announcement follows earlier criticism by the Taliban over delays in copper extraction at the Aynak copper mine. On November 5, Taliban Minister of Mines and Petroleum Hedayatullah Badri told representatives of the Chinese company contracted to develop the site that the extraction process must be accelerated. The ministry said the company has committed, under the terms of its contract, to fully implement its obligations.
Since returning to power more than four years ago, the Taliban have placed increased emphasis on the extraction and allocation of Afghanistan’s natural resources. The administration has sought to finance a significant portion of its budget through revenues from the mining sector.
Critics, however, say the Taliban are exploiting Afghanistan’s mineral resources in an unprofessional and unlawful manner and argue that the proceeds are being used to consolidate the group’s rule rather than for national development.
