Chinese Ambassador Urges Acceleration of Mes Aynak Copper Project in Afghanistan
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Kabul has called for the acceleration of the Mes Aynak copper project during an official meeting with Abdul Rahman Qanit, Deputy Minister for Policy and Programs at the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum under the Taliban administration.
According to a statement released by the ministry, the meeting was also attended by a delegation of Chinese officials. The Chinese ambassador emphasized continued bilateral cooperation, particularly in the mining sector and specifically in the Mes Aynak project, and shared his country’s proposals and plans with the Taliban representatives.
The Chinese representative pledged that his government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines, is ready to begin operational work on the Mes Aynak project soon. However, the statement did not provide specific details on the implementation process or when work would commence.
During the meeting, Abdul Rahman Qanit stated that the Taliban’s Ministry of Mines is prepared to cooperate within the framework of existing laws and procedures. He underscored the need to consider the interests of both countries in advancing the project.
The Mes Aynak copper extraction project is one of the largest mining ventures in Afghanistan, located in the Mohammad Agha district of Logar province. The project has been stalled for years due to security, legal, and management challenges. The Taliban administration is now seeking to revive it with China’s support. However, concerns remain over transparency, environmental standards, and the responsible use of the country’s natural resources.
