A wedding ceremony is easy, but the preparation is difficult.”
–Afghan Proverb
Overview
The United States Geological Survey confirmed the existence of world-class mineral resources in Afghanistan. These mineral riches, valued around three trillion dollars, present an unprecedented opportunity to develop sustained economic growth in the war-torn country. However, potential extractive mineral operations face major logistical challenges
Major Policy Recommendations
–Prioritize small-scale mines early on, specifically in northern provinces;
–Develop ground water resources;
–Encourage investment for new power generating projects;
–Establish government agency tasked with maintaining current and future road projects;
–Utilize Private Security Companies to augment local police and security operations;
–Engage all ethnic groups within government affairs;
–Address corruption and implement appropriate checks and balances for the
judicial branch;
–Initiate bureaucratic and statute changes in each ministry involved in extraction;
–Foster greater cooperation with neighboring countries in areas including energy and water;
–Construct educational strategy that focuses on mineral sector skills, training, and education;
–Assist and advise the Afghan government in crafting local content policies for the mining industry;
–Conduct nation-wide audit on financial institutions, and implement an economic reconstruction zone;
–Establish transparent sovereign wealth fund.
