Taliban Authorities Announce Progress on Aynak Copper Project

The Taliban’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has announced progress on the Aynak copper project. During a meeting between Abdul Rahman Qanat, Deputy for Policy and Programs of the ministry, and a Chinese delegation led by Wei Huojiang, Consul General of the Asian Section of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the advancement of the Aynak copper project was reviewed.

The meeting, held in the presence of the Chinese ambassador to Kabul and officials from the contracting company for the Aynak project, included discussions on the practical phases of the mine’s development. According to the Chinese consul, the relationship between Afghanistan and China is considered “valuable,” and there was an emphasis on continuing economic cooperation.

The Deputy Minister of Mines from the Taliban administration described the Aynak project as important for both countries, especially for the people of Afghanistan, and stressed that the operational work of the project should begin as soon as possible. He also claimed that there are no obstacles to the full commencement of the project.

The Aynak copper mine, located in Logar province, is considered one of the largest copper reserves in the region. Discussions about its extraction have been ongoing for years between Afghan and Chinese parties, but practical progress has been repeatedly delayed.