Afghanistan Sitting on US$1 Trillion of Natural Resources

By Joel ScanlonJun 15 2010

The image of Afghanistan as a poor under developed country may soon need a change as Pentagon geologists have placed the value of mineral deposits in the country at an estimated US$1 trillion.

Large deposits of precious minerals like iron, copper and gold are scattered in areas which are under Taleban control. This is what makes it difficult to extricate and officials in the military feel that it would take a long time for the new found mineral resources to translate into actual wealth for the nation.

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This news comes as a welcome shot in the arm as Afghanistan is looking to increase foreign investment and reduce the opium trade. The presence of lithium in salt lakes in Ghanzni, useful as raw material in manufacturing batteries for cell phone and laptops is a major plus.

Developing the mining industry and infrastructure in the country is what will be the challenge for the next few years. The security issues are what seem to be keeping major international companies at bay.

Written by

Joel Scanlon

Joel relocated to Australia in 1995 from the United Kingdom and spent five years working in the mining industry as an exploration geotechnician. His role involved utilizing GIS mapping and CAD software. Upon transitioning to the North Coast of NSW, Australia, Joel embarked on a career as a graphic designer at a well-known consultancy firm. Subsequently, he established a successful web services business catering to companies across the eastern seaboard of Australia. It was during this time that he conceived and launched News-Medical.Net. Joel has been an integral part of AZoNetwork since its inception in 2000. Joel possesses a keen interest in exploring the boundaries of technology, comprehending its potential impact on society, and actively engaging with AI-driven solutions and advancements.

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Scanlon, Joel. (2019, March 19). Afghanistan Sitting on US$1 Trillion of Natural Resources. AZoMining. Retrieved on May 01, 2025 from https://www.azomining.com/News.aspx?newsID=22.
MLA
Scanlon, Joel. "Afghanistan Sitting on US$1 Trillion of Natural Resources". AZoMining. 01 May 2025. <https://www.azomining.com/News.aspx?newsID=22>.
Chicago
Scanlon, Joel. "Afghanistan Sitting on US$1 Trillion of Natural Resources". AZoMining. https://www.azomining.com/News.aspx?newsID=22. (accessed May 01, 2025).
Harvard
Scanlon, Joel. 2019. Afghanistan Sitting on US$1 Trillion of Natural Resources. AZoMining, viewed 01 May 2025, https://www.azomining.com/News.aspx?newsID=22.