Exploitation of Mineral Resources in Afghanistan without Government Revenues or Development Benefits
Publisher: United States Institute of Peace
Author(s): William Byrd and Javed Noorani
Date: 2014
Topics: Extractive Resources, Governance
Countries: Afghanistan
Afghanistan has plentiful underground mineral resources—hydrocarbons, solid minerals, dimension stones, and gemstones. Gold, platinum, silver, copper, iron, chromite, tantalum, uranium, and aluminum, among others, have potential for economic exploitation. The total value of these resources has been variously estimated at US$1 trillion to US$3 trillion. There is a serious risk that the country will become afflicted with the “resource curse” that affects many countries with natural resources.