Taliban building road to copper mine in Wardak

MAIDAN SHAHAR (Pajhwok): Taliban have started constructing a road to a newly-discovered copper mine in central Maidan Wardak province, a resident said on Wednesday.

“The militants are forcing people to take part in building the road and charge 500 afghani a day from each family that does not send a member,” the resident told Pajhwok Afghan News on condition of anonymity.

Following a dispute between two tribes over the copper mine, the insurgents gained control of the site. They plan to start mining soon after the construction of the road.

Meanwhile, Director of Mines Fazal Bari confirmed receiving information from local inhabitants in this regard. The authorities have launched an investigation.

He added the mine was recently discovered and they had shared samples with the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum. Security forces have been tasked with guarding the site.

But Attaullah Khogyani, spokesperson for the acting governor, said no one could dig the mine without prior permission from the government. He added officials had been asked to probe the issue.

The official claimed the government had received nearly 700 million afghanis in revenue from mines last year but some people allege the militants get half of the amount.

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