Afghanistan–Mineral Wealth
By Dr Arvind Kumar
The availability of huge reserves of fuel- and non-fuel mineral resources in Afghanistan can help stabilize a war torn can create jobs, industry, wealth and potentially pollution. The United States Geological Survey and the Department of Defense Task Force for Business and Stability Operations in Afghanistan have worked together to map out the natural resources in Afghanistan. The team identified key Areas of Interest (AOI)—and subareas within them—that fit these criteria. The AOIs contain mineral reserves or resources that have been well-documented through sampling in trenches, drill holes, and/or underground workings. Most are accessible by existing roads; so to develop or not to develop. There are vast amounts of minerals present in the country. There are hazards ranging from earthquakes, general aridity (scare water supplies), and of course, war. Copper, Chromium, Coal, and gold are just some of the potential deposits.
The assessment revealed that Afghanistan has abundant non-fuel mineral resources, including both known and potential deposits of a wide variety of minerals ranging from copper, iron, and sulfur to bauxite, lithium, and rare-earth elements. Developing the maps took substantial computer power. Over 800 million pixels of data were generated, collected over 43 days and 28 flights, and approximately 170,000 square miles. The Afghan government is using the data to develop information packages to attract businesses to the country. The problem lies in the development. As had been seen in neighboring China, India and Iran, it is easy to quickly exploit and easily pollute. Excavating and processing the mineral wealth out of the ground is risky and dangerous though the benefits to the Afghan people and the world can be immense.
