Finding fossil fuel supplies influenced the 20th century and shaped the political dynamics in that century. The 21st appears to be being shaped by the competition for essential minerals. It is believed that certain minerals are of strategic significance for contemporary industries.
The primary industries that use minerals are building development, electricity, and production, especially for semiconductors and other technological uses. Mineral asset locations have frequently had a significant impact on both economic and sociopolitical ties. As a result, two locations thought to be rich in undiscovered deposits are attracting the focus of the entire world.
Afghanistan is situated where several tectonic plates converge. The geological makeup of the nation has produced a wide variety of mineral reserves. Its region has long been a major wellspring of gold and copper. There, gems and gemstones were also harvested, especially lapis lazuli.
Mineral deposits in Afghanistan are thought to be valued around $1 trillion. This comprises 182 million tons of aluminum and 60 million tons of copper. The land is much more fascinating because it contains 2.2 billion tons of iron ore.
The north and east engage in alluvial gold mining. There are valuable marble and limestone reserves in the hilly northern regions. Building sector is the main customer of the semiprecious stone.
Throughout the northern regions, oil is also pumped by the China National Petroleum Corporation. Afghanistan lacks the capacity for local refinement. Its petrol comes from neighbors like Kyrgyzstan, Iran, and Turkmenistan.
Nevertheless, other kinds of metal reserves in Afghanistan are the main focus of worldwide attention. A large number of them are essential to new technology. These are utilized in batteries and other devices that contain cobalt, lithium, and niobium. It’s possible that the nation’s untapped lithium deposits surpass Bolivia’s. The greatest lithium resources in the world are presently found in Bolivia.
Large reserves of scarce earth metals, including neodymium, cerium, and lanthanum, have been discovered in Afghanistan. They are employed in semiconductors and magnets. They are also used in other niche production purposes.
Politics and Security as Main Barriers
Afghanistan’s geography is one barrier to mining for minerals. It is regarded as the planet’s sixth most mountainous region. However, safety has been a far greater obstacle. Following the US invasion in 2001, the Taliban fell, causing political chaos. Many copper and gemstone miners were operating illegally during that time. The goods were shipped out to be offered in Pakistan, while the workers received pitiful wages.
As a result, the Afghan citizens did not gain any interests from these extraction efforts.
The Taliban have been hindered by their lack of international recognition since regaining power four years ago. The procedure was further complicated by the fact that some countries have designated them as a terrorist organization. Yet, as more nations forge de facto diplomatic connections, the condition is starting to alter.
The resources ministry of the Taliban regime attracted contributions and investments from a number of nations last year. China is anticipated to have a significant role in Afghanistan. It is a component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
It takes roughly 16 years to turn fresh resources into working mines. Therefore, it will require a significant amount of time and effort to fully use Afghanistan’s mineral possibilities. Both political and safety concerns ought to be resolved in some way along the way.
