* Ghorian Mine Extraction Contract Signed Between T_Alban and a Private Company*
Herat – Kabul Times News
The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum under the T-Alban administration has announced the signing of a 15-year contract for the extraction of the second block of the Namaksar mine in Ghorian district of Herat province with a private company.
According to published information, the investment value of this project has been announced at about $20 million and the Red Gold Asia Mining Company will be responsible for the extraction and exploitation of this mine.
Ministry of Mines officials have said that the royalty for each ton of extracted salt has been set at 1,500 Afghanis and the contracting company, in addition to paying government salaries, has committed to allocate $930,000 for the implementation of social and development projects in the areas surrounding the mine.
According to officials, the Namaksar Ghorian mine is located in an area of about 9.7 square kilometers and it is expected that with the start of extraction activities, direct employment opportunities will be provided for at least 100 people.
The Albanians have described the contract as part of efforts to attract investment, develop natural resources, and increase domestic revenues. However, a number of economic experts and monitoring institutions have previously expressed concerns about the transparency of the mine transfer process, the way contracts are monitored, and how revenues from natural resources are spent.
Some economic experts also emphasize that the success of such projects will depend on financial transparency, compliance with environmental standards, protection of workers' rights, and ensuring national interests.
The Ghorian salt mine is one of the important mineral reserves in western Afghanistan, and its exploitation could be effective in the economic development of Herat province and increasing domestic production.
* Ghorian Mine Extraction Contract Signed Between T_Alban and a Private Company*
