WASHINGTON, Nov 14 (Pajhwok Afghan News):  Afghanistan has significant amounts of undiscovered non-fuel mineral resources, says the US Geological Surveys 2007 assessment.

Unveiled at the third annual US-Afghan Business Matchmaking Conference organised by the Afghan-American Chamber of Commerce in Washington, the survey said mineral resources presented a great source for a countrys industrial growth and wealth.

Estimates for copper and iron ore resources were found to have the most potential for extraction in Afghanistan, according to a press release issued from the Afghan Embassy in Washington.

Scientists also found indications of abundant deposits of colored stones and gemstones, including emerald, ruby, sapphire, garnet, lapis, kunzite, spinel, tourmaline and peridot.

Other examples of mineral resources available for extraction in Afghanistan include gold, mercury, sulfur, chromites, talc-m DC, says a press release of Afghan embassy in Washington magnetite, potash, graphite, sand and gravel.

USGS scientists worked with the Afghanistan Geological Survey of the Ministry of Mines, between 2004 and 2007, to compile information about known mineral deposits and evaluate the possible occurrence of undiscovered deposits of non-fuel mineral resources.

The statement said this assessment would be used in rebuilding Afghanistans natural resources sector, provide valuable new information to the global business and mining communities, and serve as a foundation for future work in areas of mineral resource potential.

USGS Director Mark Myers said: Mineral resource assessments provide government decision-makers and potential private investors with objective, unbiased information on where undiscovered mineral resources may be located, what kinds of resources are likely to occur and how much of each mineral commodity may exist in them.

Afghanistans natural resources have a quality comparable to the highest-class minerals of the entire region, said Afghanistans Ambassador to United States Said T. Jawad.

We are grateful to the efforts of the USGS and our Ministry of Mines in allowing global investors an opportunity to receive the latest information on their assessment for more informed business decisions.

mud/pr