Afghanistan Sitting on US$1 Trillion of Natural Resources
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.
View Larger Map
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 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.
Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:
APA
Scanlon, Joel. (2019, March 19). Afghanistan Sitting on US$1 Trillion of Natural Resources. AZoMining. Retrieved on February 04, 2026 from https://www.azomining.com/News.aspx?newsID=22.
MLA
Scanlon, Joel. "Afghanistan Sitting on US$1 Trillion of Natural Resources". AZoMining. 04 February 2026. <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 February 04, 2026).
Harvard
Scanlon, Joel. 2019. Afghanistan Sitting on US$1 Trillion of Natural Resources. AZoMining, viewed 04 February 2026, https://www.azomining.com/News.aspx?newsID=22.
We're committed to providing free access to quality science. By registering and providing insight into
your preferences you're joining a community of over 1m science interested individuals and help us to
provide you with insightful content whilst keeping our service free.
or
Terms
While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena
answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses.
Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or
authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for
medical information you must always consult a medical
professional before acting on any information provided.
Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with
OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their
privacy principles.
Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential
information.
Read the full Terms & Conditions.