By: H.N. Afghanistan, endowed with vast natural resources, is actively pursuing economic self-sufficiency by developing and utilizing its mineral reserves. Following the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate, concerted efforts have been undertaken to attract domestic and international investment, implement large-scale infrastructure projects, and ensure the efficient and sustainable utilization of the country’s mineral wealth. […]
By: H.N.
Afghanistan, endowed with vast natural resources, is actively pursuing economic self-sufficiency by developing and utilizing its mineral reserves. Following the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate, concerted efforts have been undertaken to attract domestic and international investment, implement large-scale infrastructure projects, and ensure the efficient and sustainable utilization of the country’s mineral wealth.
The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, as a key sectoral entity within the government, has made significant strides in this regard. Over the past three years, the ministry has signed more than 200 mining contracts with both small and large enterprises. These agreements have played a pivotal role in boosting the national economy, facilitating infrastructure development, and generating employment for over 150,000 individuals. The contracts encompass the extraction of copper, lead, zinc, iron, coal, and natural gas, with total investments in large-scale mining operations reaching approximately $7 billion. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering the development of Afghanistan’s mining sector and maximizing the benefits of its natural resources.
Recently, the Economic Deputy Office of the Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan announced the approval of 11 large-scale mining projects set to commence in 1403 (2024–2025). These projects include: Yatim-Taq Cement Project – Jawzjan Province, Salt Mine Projects in Maymana and Andkhoy – Faryab Province, Salt Mine Project in Darzab – Jawzjan Province, Dara-e-Noor Marble Mine Project, in Shah Wali Kot District – Kandahar Province, Chromite Mine Development Project- Logar Province, Taimani Laman Coal Mine Project – Badghis Province, Kashk and Tirpul Gas Basin Project – Herat Province, Toti Maidan Gas Field Project – Faryab Province, Loy Jangal Gas Basin Project – Jawzjan Province, and Altamur Cement Project in Logar Province.
The implementation of these projects is expected to play a transformative role in Afghanistan’s economic self-sufficiency, contributing significantly to national economic growth and driving tangible improvements in the social and economic well-being of the people.
Key Mining Projects and Their Economic Impact
1. Yatim-Taq Cement Project – Jawzjan Province: This project stands as one of Afghanistan’s most ambitious industrial initiatives, designed to bolster domestic cement production and employment opportunities. On October 30, 2024, the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum formalized a $163 million agreement with the Turkish firm (77 Turkish) for the establishment of the cement plant. Under this 30-year contract, the company will invest in exploration, extraction, production, and community development programs. With a daily production capacity of 3,000 tons of cement, the project is expected to create over 1,200 direct jobs. This initiative represents a strategic step towards reducing Afghanistan’s reliance on cement imports and strengthening domestic industrial capabilities.
2. Salt Mine Projects – Faryab and Jawzjan Provinces: The mining projects in Maymana, Andkhoy, and Darzab have been awarded to a private entity under a 15-year contract valued at $24 million. Spanning 14 square kilometers, these mines are projected to yield a daily output of 2,500 tons of salt, creating employment for approximately 1,000 individuals.
3. Dara-e-Noor Marble Mine – Kandahar Province: Located in Shah Wali Kot District, this initiative marks a substantial investment in Afghanistan’s marble extraction and processing sector. On February 12, 2025, the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum entered into a $6.2 million agreement with the Turkish company (Emioglu). The 30-year contract encompasses 3 square kilometers and is designed to ensure marble extraction and processing in line with global industry standards, enabling the export of high-quality marble to international markets.
4. Chromite Mining Project – Logar Province: In 2023, a five-year contract for the extraction of chromite in Azrah District was awarded to a domestic Afghan enterprise, which has pledged an investment of 151 million Afghanis. Afghanistan possesses extensive chromite reserves, particularly in Logar, Khost, Wardak, Kabul, and Parwan provinces, with an average chromium content of 35% and iron content of 8%. This project is poised to enhance legal and structured mineral extraction while fostering economic expansion and employment generation.
5. Toti Maidan Gas Field – Faryab Province: Among Afghanistan’s largest recent investments in natural gas exploration and extraction, this 10-year, $1 billion agreement was signed on October 10, 2024, with Uzbekistan’s (Eriyel Kam). The contract mandates an initial investment of $100 million within the first year, with a total commitment of $1 billion over a decade. Furthermore, the company is obligated to generate 100 megawatts of electricity from extracted gas within the first two years. This project is expected to significantly enhance Afghanistan’s energy security while creating thousands of jobs.
6. Loy Jangal Gas Basin – Jawzjan Province: This strategic gas reserve ranks among Afghanistan’s most significant energy resources, alongside Yatim Taq (Jawzjan) and Toti Maidan (Faryab). Several initiatives are already underway, including plans to supply natural gas to households in Mazar-e-Sharif to ensure sustainable energy distribution. The development of this basin is projected to make a substantial contribution to Afghanistan’s energy independence and economic stability.
7. Altamur Cement Project – Logar Province: One of the largest investments in Afghanistan’s cement industry, this 30-year, $145 million contract was signed on December 24, 2024, between the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum and (Afghan Sako), a private sector entity. The cement plant, located in Altamur, Logar Province, is designed to produce 2,500 tons of cement per day, generating hundreds of employment opportunities. The project is aimed at reducing Afghanistan’s reliance on imported cement, thereby advancing the country’s industrial self-sufficiency and enabling potential exports to neighboring markets.
The Strategic Importance of Afghanistan’s Mining Sector
Afghanistan’s mineral resources represent a cornerstone for economic growth, employment generation, and national self-reliance. The mining sector serves as a critical revenue source for the government, facilitating foreign exchange earnings through the extraction and export of minerals. These revenues can be allocated toward infrastructure development, social welfare programs, and public sector advancements. The implementation of the above mentioned large-scale mining projects is expected to enhance Afghanistan’s legal and internationally standardized mining practices, fostering economic expansion and job creation across multiple provinces.
Ensuring nationwide security, fostering a conducive investment climate, generating economic opportunities, and improving public welfare remain top priorities for the Islamic Emirate. The Islamic Emirate is committed to reducing Afghanistan’s dependence on external sources and advancing practical measures to achieve economic self-sufficiency.
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