Writer:Salima Aryaei
The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of the Taliban has announced that a contract for the extraction of fluorite in the “Kandi Ghaniqi” area of the Nish district in Kandahar province has been signed with a private company. According to the Ministry’s statement, the contract was finalized on Tuesday, 8th of Sawr, with the “Amaniya Mining” company and involves an investment of approximately 145 million Afghanis.
According to the Ministry, the contract is set for 30 years, and based on this agreement, 35% of the processed revenues will be allocated as royalties to the Emirate. The officials have stated that this agreement is part of the development plans for the country’s mining sector, under which the exploitation of fluorite resources will take place.
The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum also added that, in addition to paying royalties, the contracted company has accepted obligations related to social services and environmental protection. Based on this contract, direct employment for around 150 people will be provided, and work at the mine will gradually begin.
Since returning to power, the Taliban have continued the widespread extraction and exploitation of the country’s mineral resources. However, this process has faced reactions and criticisms, with some political groups describing these actions as “plundering mineral resources.”
