Afghanistan: Afghanistan’s Mines under Taliban Contracts: Short-Term Revenues, Long-Term Costs

Sep 4, 2025 | Kazim Homayoun
Hasht-e-Subh Daily
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Since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021, the group’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has signed more than 205 mining contracts with domestic and foreign companies. These agreements cover the extraction of copper, gold, coal, chromite, oil, and gas across various provinces. A review of documents and reports reveals that many of these contracts lack essential environmental and social impact assessments, thereby increasing the likelihood of severe consequences for the environment, public health, and the country’s long-term economic stability.