The Taliban’s Economic Commission, led by their deputy chief minister Abdul Ghani Baradar, on Sunday approved a draft of Afghanistan’s National Minerals Policy, according to a statement.
Baradar’s office said in a statement that the policy, presented by the Taliban’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, sets out goals to attract foreign and domestic investment, standardize surveys and extraction, introduce modern mining technologies, and ensure environmental protections and worker safety. It also emphasizes processing resources inside Afghanistan and training technical staff for the sector.
The Taliban have increasingly promoted mining as a key source of revenue as the country faces a severe economic crisis following the loss of international aid after their return to power in 2021. Rights groups and watchdogs have raised concerns about transparency and environmental oversight in Taliban-run projects.
The commission also approved adjustments to the contract for completing the 500 kV transmission line from Sheberghan to Dasht-e Alwan, a major electricity project.
In addition, committees tasked with assessing the second phase of the Kamal Khan Dam and reviewing Afghanistan’s port infrastructure presented preliminary reports.
The commission said all decisions were sent to Hibatullah Akhundzada for final approval.
