Afghanistan: Mineral-Rich, Conflict Torn Electronics Treasure Trove

Sep 6, 2016 | Jennifer Baljko
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Besides oil, gas, and minerals such as as gold, copper and tantalum, a 2010, New York Times article cited an internal Pentagon memo stating that Afghanistan was poised to become the "Saudi Arabia of lithium," a key element used in batteries for computers, smartphone, laptops, tablets, and electric cars, among other products.

Reading these documents and articles, it's not a stretch to assume how history could repeat itself. Money and human greed fuel all sorts of "entrepreneurial" trade, commercial activity, war, corruption and a laundry list of other things. Add a gigantic pot of precious minerals and natural resources–many of which have become basic elements for the devices that power our day-to-day lives–and you will likely have trouble, one way or another.