Foreign firms keen on investment in mining sector

KABUL): The Ministry of Mines said on Wednesday that 23 international companies had shown their keenness on investing in exploration and extraction of gold and copper in the country.

A spokesman for the ministry said the foreign firms are interested in exploring the Zarkashan gold mine in Ghazni, another in Badakhshan, the Balkhab copper mine in Sar-i-Pul and the Sheda mine in Herat.

Muhammad Jawad Omer told Pajhwok Afghan News the gold mine in Ghazni had estimated reserves of 7,500 kilograms and the copper mine in Sar-i-Pul was larger than Ainak mine in Logar province.

“Minster of Mines Wahidullah Shahrani briefed international companies on these mines in London city three months ago,” Omer recalled, saying that the ministry later invited expressions of interest from investors till March 9.

An agreement on investment in the mines would be signed with the successful firm by the end of the year, the spokesman added.

A survey by a US-based geological organisation says Afghanistan has 400 mines of iron, copper, coal, gold, fuel, lithium and precious stones. Currently, work on developing coal, marble and some other mines is ongoing

mas/mud