Study shows copper industry nearing extinction

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): A research by a Journalism and Public Relations Faculty student of Balkh University claims the copper industry is on the brink of extinction in Afghanistan.

Balkh University graduate Sajad Mosavi shared his six month-research report with media in Mazar-i-sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province, on Tuesday.

The findings of his work show copper production and the industry has 90 percent vanished in the country. He conducted research in Kabul City, Herat City and Mazar-i-Sharif, known for copper industry in the past.

“I reached the conclusion that out of total 80 coppersmiths in Herat City, only one is still associated with the industry, in Kabul four out of 164 and in Mazar-i-Sharif four out of 40 goldsmiths still exist.”

He alleged that the Ministry of Commerce and Industries had done nothing for promotion of copper industry in the country.

He said his research showed that the ministry had no plan for promotion of copper industry in the country.

Tajuddin, a goldsmith in Mazar-i-Sharif, said in the past people used copper-made appliances but now articles made from plastic and other materials were more popular.

He said lack of raw material brought down the copper industry and asked the government not to allow the traditional industry to vanish.

Hamid Safut, head of the Journalism Faculty in Balkh University, said the copper industry in the past would earn revenue to the country.

He expressed concern if the copper industry was not revived, it would disappear.

Safut said the copper industry was historic and could earn revenue if supported and it was government’s responsibility to revive the industry.

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