Kazakhstan Proposes Railway Project to Afghanistan in Exchange for Mining Rights
As part of ongoing efforts to expand economic ties, Hedayatullah Badri, acting head of the Taliban’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, held talks with several Kazakh officials on developing trade cooperation, strengthening bilateral relations, and other related issues.
According to an official statement from the ministry, during the meeting, the Deputy Minister of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan expressed his country’s interest in investing Kazakh mining companies in Afghanistan’s mining sector, particularly in gold and copper mines. This interest comes at a time when Afghanistan, rich in natural resources, has attracted attention from some countries, though concerns remain over the lack of transparency and the Taliban’s legitimate governance.
Additionally, the Deputy Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan proposed constructing a railway line from Torghundi to Herat province. According to Kazakh officials, this plan was put forward in exchange for mining exploitation rights offered to the Taliban administration. The proposal raises numerous questions about the terms, the transparency of contracts, and the actual benefits for the Afghan people.
The continuation of such negotiations between the Taliban administration and foreign investors without oversight from independent institutions and clear accountability has increased concerns about the mismanagement of the country’s resources. The Taliban administration has previously faced widespread criticism regarding the allocation of mining rights.
