KABUL (Pajhwok): Vast deposits of sulpher, a key chemical element that the insurgents allegedly use in making bombs, exist in volatile areas of the country, experts say.
They believe the existence of potassium nitrate, a natural solid source of nitrogen, in sulpher makes it easy even for inexperienced individuals to produce explosives.
A mining expert, Ibrahim Jafari, said sulpher was used in industries for making a highly corrosive mineral acid -- a component of paints. It is also employed in processing minerals and filtration.
KABUL (Pajhwok): A new mining law, containing 20 chapters and 117 articles, was endorsed by President Hamid Karzai on July 9, 2014. Some important features of the law are:
KABUL (Pajhwok): Most mining companies have yet to keep their pledges to protect environment and deliver social services for people living close to the mining areas, experts said.
According to the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, around 300 contracts had been awarded to various companies but most of them seemed lack in provision of social services and protecting environment.
Mines’ experts and people living close to the mines’ areas complained that non-implementation of the established mines regulations were in direct contravention of country’s laws.
KABUL (Pajhwok): The Minister of Mines and Petroleumhailed the endorsement of fresh draft of mine law by President Hamid Karzai, saying that the new law would help attract more foreign investment to the sector.
Earlier, the new mining draft comprised of 20 chapters and 117 articles was approved by the parliament and then referred to the presidentfor endorsement.
KABUL (Pajhwok): Because of government negligence to utilize natural resources for the welfare of nation and state, majority of mines in central Kapisa province were being excavated illegally and in an unregulated way, director of mines department said.
Mohammad AjmalYousafzai told Pajhwok Afghan News contracts of two mines had been awarded to different companies. He said authorities had been repeatedly informed about an unregulated excavation of natural reservoirs.
KABUL (Pajhwok): Experts say safe mine management could help Afghanistan achieve autarky, but the country could face a Congo-like situation if the government fails to ensure better handling of the vital sector
Afghanistan comprised massive unexplored natural resources of copper, silver, gold, lithium, uranium, gas and fuel, estimating to worth billions of dollars.
KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan can become economically self-sufficient if its mineral riches are excavated in a professional and transparent way, some geologists and experts believe.
Afghanistan is bestowed with large-scale minerals such as iron, gold, oil, gas, copper, lithium and others.
Experts say proper excavation of mines could ensure the country’s economic development, but irregularities and corruption in the sector could have devastating consequences.
KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghan miners and the committee advocating for their rights criticise the government and privately-owned firms for doing little to ensure their safety.
Dozens of miners lose their lives every year to mine collapse and explosions inside tunnels. Many workers are injured, disabled or infected with diseases.
The causes include poor safety measures and the dangers inherent in Afghanistan's mining sector, deemed as one of the nation's last great economic hopes.
KABUL (Pajhwok): The transfer of mining contracts from one hand to another and merging of the exploration and excavation process of natural reservoirs are fueling corruption in the mining sector, economic and mining experts said.
The concerns have been raised after Wolesi Jirga or lower house of the parliament has approved the new mining draft. The draft was currently debated by the Meshrano Jirga, or upper house of the parliament.
KABUL: The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum (MoMP) has awarded a private company with a dubious contract to dig out 200 tons of minerals from a copper mine in southeastern Paktia province solely for testing purpose, provincial officials alleged.
Alleging the contract awarding officials of the project have poor skill and corrupt record, Paktia Deputy Governor Abdul Wali Sahi said Machalgho Copper Mine was located in Sarke area of Ahmad Abad district where excavation had been underway.
