Taliban’s Ministry of Mines Signs $5.3 Million Salt Extraction Contract in Herat

Hedayatullah Badri, Taliban’s Minister of Mines and Petroleum, has signed a contract with a private company for the extraction of salt from the fifth block of the Namaksar area in Ghorian district, Herat province. The contract is valued at over $5.3 million and covers an area of 10.51 square kilometers.

According to officials from the ministry, the contract duration is set at 15 years, and the company is required to pay a royalty of 1,500 Afghanis for each ton extracted. The continuation of the company’s operations is conditional on compliance with the laws and obligations outlined in the contract.

Officials added that under this agreement, the company is obligated to implement social service projects in the area and adhere to environmental protection principles. It was also mentioned that the project will create employment opportunities for about 110 people.

However, in recent years, the Taliban administration’s awarding of large mining contracts has faced criticism concerning transparency, oversight, and the management of revenue. Experts emphasize that natural resources should be managed in a manner that ensures fair benefits for local residents and the national economy.