Language

Don't you have an account with Pajhwok Afghan News?

Click here to subscribe.

Draft policy on mines to be okayed soon

Draft policy on mines to be okayed soon

author avatar
17 Jan 2012 - 16:20
Draft policy on mines to be okayed soon
author avatar
17 Jan 2012 - 16:20

KABUL): Bids from international investors for the development of a lithium mine in western Herat province would be called after a draft policy on mine exploration and extraction is approved by the Cabinet, an official said on Tuesday.

Prepared two and a half months ago, the draft policy would be sent to the Cabinet in the next few days, Jawad Omar, the mines ministry spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News. Both economic and security aspects had been considered in the draft, he said, but stopped short of giving details.

Omar said necessary homework had been done for introducing the lithium mine in Herat to foreign investors. Huge deposits of lithium, uranium, niobium, cobalt, beryllium, molybdenum and other rare metals and minerals exist in Herat, Ghazni, Badakhshan, Helmand, Nimroz, Nuristan and Kunar provinces.

Lithium is a key raw material used in the manufacture of batteries for laptops and cell phones. A team of US geologists and Pentagon discovered vast mineral wealth in Afghanistan‘s most lucrative mining centres.

Karzai has said his nation’s untapped mineral deposits could be even higher — perhaps as much as $3 trillion. Agreements on exploration of gas and oil and the development of the Ainak copper mines have been signed with Chinese firms. Preliminary development work on the projects is ongoing.

ma/mud

Visits: 5

Related Topics

GET IN TOUCH

SUGGEST A STORY

Pajhwok is interested in your story suggestions. Please tell us your thoughts by clicking here.

PAJHWOK MOBILE APP

Download our mobile application to get the latest updates on your mobile phone. Read more