Naik Mohammad 50, tribal elder from Pul-i-Alam, the provincial capital of Logar province:
‘Afghanistan is rich in natural resources. The country has large reserves of oil, gas, copper, iron, chromites, ruby and emerald.During my five decades of life, I am now sure we cannot utilise and tap the reserves for the benefit of people and interest of the country.’
Naik Mohammad 50, tribal elder from Pul-i-Alam, the provincial capital of Logar province:
‘Afghanistan is rich in natural resources. The country has large reserves of oil, gas, copper, iron, chromites, ruby and emerald.During my five decades of life, I am now sure we cannot utilise and tap the reserves for the benefit of people and interest of the country.’
Hamidullah, Mohammad Agha district in Logarprovince:
‘Afghanistan is rich with natural resources of precious stones. The excavation of precious and semi-precious stones can bolster the economyand usher in a new era of prosperity for the country. The revenue obtained from the mining sector can be used for the development of other sectors such as infrastructure, energy, education and health.’
Mirwais, Parwan province:‘Afghanistan has many mines withmassive natural reserves such as gas, oil, salt, gold, precious stones and others. There is a dire need to excavate the mines in the larger interests of the nation. As a nation, we even failed to excavate our salt mines. Our salt is being exported to Pakistan and they resell itback to Afghanistan with higher prices.’
Mohammad Arif, Ghorband districtof Parwan province:
‘Influential and powerful individuals are in control of natural reserves in Parwan. Powerful groups have been excavating the mines and then smuggling precious stones illegally.’
Rahmatullah, Ghazni province:
‘Afghanistan has global reputation of being the hometo mines of precious and natural reserves such as Aynak copper mine, Hajigak iron mine and the Zarkashan gold mine. I am sure if the government allows legal excavation under its supervision then it would leave far-reaching positive impact on the national exchequer on the one hand while on the other it would help create job opportunities for millions.
ZakiaMerajZada, Bamyan city:
‘I have little information about Afghanistan’s mining sector.However, it is said the country has big reserves of natural resources, which should be utilized.’
Fatana Hassan Zada, Balkh province:
‘Lawlessness and insecurity were major problems obstructing the excavation of our mineral resources. The government should work out a stringent security plan to utilise the rich se
ctor for the benefit of Afghans.’
WajidRazzaqi, Taloqan in Takhar province:
‘A country that is rich in natural resources, should not face economic hardship. Afghanistan can use its minerals to get rid of its poverty. But unfortunately, the mines are being excavated illegally and the government does not get the revenue generated from the mines. Powerful people are plundering the mineswithout any fear of the government.’
Arifan:Takhar province:
‘Unauthorised mining of natural reserves and its smuggling throughout Afghanistan have badly damaged the revenue of the mining sector. In addition, some companies are also involved in the smuggling. The government should work out a policy to streamline this vital sector of the country.’
Ramin: Herat province:
‘If the natural resources of Afghanistan are properly extracted it would leave positive impact on the country’s weak economy. Afghan could have economic self-reliance in a short span of time if the government takes control of the mining sector.’
Mohammad Asif, Herat province:
‘Mining of Afghanistan natural reservoirs in a legal way would help generate millions of job opportunities for the unemployed youths of the country.’
Haji Mohammad Dawood, Kandahar province:
‘Afghanistan is a rich country as far as its natural resources are concerned. The governmentshould strive hard to attract foreign investment in the mining sector. In addition, the state and private sector should join hands and work together with foreign companies, which wouldpave way for proper excavation of minerals’.
