Mes Aynak Copper Mine Contract Extended for More 15 Years with Chinese Firm

This project was handed over to the Chinese company MCC 17 years ago, but significant progress in its extraction has yet to be made. Insecurity, the country’s past political situation, concerns over the destruction of historical artifacts at the mining site, and a lack of infrastructure such as electricity and railways have been cited as key reasons for the project’s delays.

The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum told TOLOnews that to enable more effective and efficient copper extraction, the contract has been extended for 15 more years, increasing the total duration to 45 years.

Ministry spokesperson Homayoun Afghan stated: “Unfortunately, in the past 15 years under the previous administration, no work was done due to various issues. After the Islamic Emirate came to power, negotiations were held with the company to resume operations. To ensure proper survey and development of this mine in accordance with established principles and conditions, an additional 15 years has been granted by the Ministry.”

The ministry emphasized that with this extension, all core conditions of the contract remain unchanged.

These conditions include:

Establishing copper processing factories inside Afghanistan
Prioritizing Afghan labor
Protecting historical artifacts at the mining site
According to the spokesperson, multiple practical steps will be launched at the site this year.

He added: “Last year, the company started part of the practical work. One component was the extension of a road measuring 8.9 kilometers, which is now nearly complete. Surveys and studies have also been conducted in several areas, along with power generation assessments, which are now being implemented. Overall, most of last year’s planned activities have been completed, and we hope that this year, operations will advance more effectively.”

Key commitments in the Mes Aynak copper mine contract, signed in 2008, include:

Establishing smelting and copper processing plants in Afghanistan
Building a railway line
Establishing electricity generation facilities
Job creation and training for Afghan labor
Adhering to environmental standards and preventing environmental damage
Protecting and relocating existing historical artifacts at the mine site
Paying royalties and revenues to the Afghan government

Although the contractor had previously promised to begin project implementation this year, the project has faced widespread criticism in Afghanistan over the years due to delays by the Chinese side.

Economic experts believe that extending the contract could offer the company a fresh opportunity to fulfill its commitments and stop treating this national asset arbitrarily.

Mir Shaker Yaqubi, an economic analyst, stated: “Efforts should be made to engage with the Chinese side and their investors so they pursue the Mes Aynak project with greater financial, technical, and operational seriousness. The MCC company should no longer be allowed to delay, obstruct, or neglect the terms of the contract. This issue can be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy, and active economic negotiations.”

According to geological studies, the Mes Aynak mine, considered one of the largest copper deposits in the region, holds reserves of 12 million tons and, if extracted properly, could turn Afghanistan into a significant global copper exporter.