Afghanistan Peace CampaignEconomic analysts say the continued delay has postponed efforts to harness the economic potential of this important natural resource.
Nearly two decades after a contract was signed with a Chinese consortium to extract copper from the Mes Aynak mine in Logar province, large-scale mining operations have yet to begin.
Economic analysts say the continued delay has postponed efforts to harness the economic potential of this important natural resource.
They emphasize that the launch of practical work on the project could create employment opportunities, increase national revenue, and stimulate economic activity.
According to the analysts, ensuring that the contracting company fulfills its commitments and taking concrete steps to begin extraction are particularly important.
Sayed Masoud, an economic analyst, said: “The Mes Aynak copper project, like the Wakhan, TAPI, CASA and other projects, has become caught up in regional competition and geopolitical maneuvering. Russia, the United States and China are pursuing strategies to preserve these projects for potential future use.”
Nabi Afghan, another economic analyst, criticized the current situation, saying: “The current situation is unacceptable, and the government must change its policy in this regard and adopt clear plans for the proper management of mineral resources.”
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum says agreements have been reached with the Chinese contractor regarding the fulfillment of its commitments, particularly excavation work.
According to him, infrastructure work is underway at the mining site, but he did not provide a specific date for the start of extraction.
Humayoun Afghan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, said: “We have reached agreements with the Chinese contractor regarding the fulfillment of its commitments, particularly excavation work. Infrastructure work is also underway at the mining site, and practical operations will begin once this work is completed.”
The Mes Aynak copper mine, located in Logar province approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Kabul, is one of the major copper deposits in Afghanistan and the world.
The contract for extracting copper from the mine was signed on May 25, 2008, with a consortium comprising two Chinese companies.
Exploiting the mine could create job opportunities and increase national revenue. However, analysts also stress that mining operations must be carried out while protecting the area’s cultural heritage and archaeological sites.