Mineral resources in Afghanistan

This report documents the past and present status of these resources and examines alternative strategies for their exploitation. Chapter 2 provides a brief history of minerals exploration, exploitation, and planning in Afghanistan, including the roles of Great Britain, France, Germany, the Soviet bloc, and the United States in Afghanistan"s mineral sector; mineral policy in the five national plans during the years 1962-83; and sector assessments conducted by the World Bank (1978) and the U.S. Department of Energy (1989). Chapter 3 discusses three strategies for developing the country"s mineral and hydrocarbon resources: (1) a national orientation focusing on domestic needs; (2) a regional strategy that would consider markets in countries close to Afghanistan; and (3) an international strategy that would place Afghan resources on the international market. The three strategies, it is noted, are not mutually exclusive and all would require an aggressive exploitation program, programs to train personnel, and satisfaction of the country"s basic energy needs. Chapter 4 summarizes available information on the identity and location of the country"s mineral resources -- including resource maps and latitudinal/longitudinal data for principal deposits -- and identifies sources for more detailed information. Suggestions for immediate USAID action are included.