Afghanistan Times
Related Articles
By Farhad Naibkhel-KABUL: The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum (MoMP) is mulling to review Aynak copper mine’s contact within next 100 days.
While briefing media-men on the ministry’s action plan 100 days, The Minister of Mines and Petroleum, Daud Shah Saba, said that the contracted company hasn’t started extraction of Aynak cooper mine due to security, logistics and transportation challenges. “Thus, the MoMP is mulling to review the contract based on its 57th and 58th articles,” he added.
He said that the ministry will also intensify its efforts to clear the surrounding areas of the cooper mine from land mines. “The MoMP will also restart technical and economic study of the mine,” he added.
Saba said that revision of the contract is aimed at intensifying efforts to start extraction of the mine.
“Contracts of oil and gas fields at the Afghan-Tajik basin, Zarkashan gold mine as well as gold mines in Badakhshan will be also reviewed and decision will be taken to award the contracts through open bidding process,” he added.
He said that the ministry is also committed to conduct a survey on security of mines and then take all necessary measure to ensure better security of natural riches in the next 100 days.
“To better manage mines, the MoMP will create an advisory board,” Saba said, adding that his 100-day action plan also include capacity building programs.
He said that the ministry is committed to start work on several other mining projects in Afghanistan.
“The MoMP will also develop an effective monitoring system for mines and their revenues. Amending the mining laws and devising new and effective policies were other promises that the minister made to fulfill in next 100 days.
“We will establish 20 checkpoints to security Aynak cooper mine, five for ensuring security of Shiberghan-Mazar-e-Sharif gas pipeline route, and five others to ensure security of Sheberghan-e-Sar-e-Pul pipe line,” he went on as saying.
