Political Economy and Conflict Dimensions of Afghanistan’s Mineral Resources: A Preliminary Exploration

Publisher: USIP

Author(s): William Byrd

Date: 2012

Topics: Conflict Causes, Extractive Resources, Governance

Countries: Afghanistan

View Original

Mining, currently a localized, largely informal, and mostly small-scale sector in Afghanistan, is
widely seen as a potential leading economic growth driver and source of government revenues.
Afghanistan is well-endowed with underground mineral resources, but not much systematic
exploitation using modern technology has occurred, and exploration remains in its infancy.
Linkages to other economic activities and substantial employment generation also are envisioned,
with development of “resource corridors “exploiting multi-use infrastructure and regional transport
and trading opportunities. The potential positive impacts on Afghanistan’s economy, jobs, budget
and on regional development have been assessed by the World Bank and others.