KABUL: The Afghan government has announced a significant development in the mining sector, signing a $100 million agreement with the private firm Kabul Lmar to establish a zinc and lead processing plant.
According to the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, the project will be executed in three phases, with a daily production capacity of 5,000 tons, marking a milestone for Afghanistan’s mineral industry.
In addition to the mining facility, Kabul Lmar plans to construct a thermal power plant to support energy self-sufficiency. The company has also indicated interest in investing in Afghanistan’s coal sector. Although an official timeline has not been announced, experts estimate that the project could take several years, with each phase focusing on production capacity, infrastructure development, and energy generation.
The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum noted that over the past four years, the Islamic Emirate has signed more than 200 agreements with both domestic and international companies, attracting nearly $8 billion in investment. Afghanistan is home to extensive mineral wealth, including copper, lithium, iron, gold, zinc, and other strategic resources, with total reserves estimated to exceed $3 trillion.
Economic analysts believe the zinc and lead project will significantly contribute to export revenues, job creation, and budgetary support. They further note that with strategic planning, transparency, and international cooperation, Afghanistan can transform into a regional hub for mineral trade.
This agreement highlights Afghanistan’s determination to harness its untapped natural resources to promote sustainable economic growth and enhance its standing in the global mining industry.