The Minerals Sector Contribution to Stabilisation and Development in Afghanistan

Source: Extractive Industry Geology Conference, 2015

Author(s): Andrew Craig

Countries: Afghanistan

Topics: Economic Recovery , Extractive Resources

Added: 24/03/2017

 

Minerals of high value and strategic importance have and continue to play a role in many of the conflicts seen around the world. They can however also provide an opportunity for less developed countries to quickly generate revenues either from the direct development and exploitation of mineral resources or by leasing or tendering prospective ground or known mineral occurrences to exploration and development mining companies. There are many issues to consider when looking at mineral resources as a tool. • The country will require a robust, transparent and investor friendly mining legislation to encourage mineral development and to deter nationalisation and corruption. • Investment must be made in the host nation's capacity to manage its mineral resources. This might include the management of both exploration and exploitation licences, ensuring that there is a competent and useful geological survey organisation, and that the host nation's universities and centres for technical and engineering excellence are producing the next generation of geologists, engineers, metallurgists and cartographers. • External assistance and funding must be geared to towards developing a sustainable and long term plan for minerals development. Investment must be carefully channelled to build capacity, maintain transparency and not undermine other initiatives being conducted by other organisations and government departments. This paper will also examine countries where minerals have been a critical cause of instability and also where minerals development has or is being used as a tool to promote stability and drive economic development.

 

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