Taliban Sees Afghanistan's Mineral Wealth as Lifeline for Revenue

Afghanistan's mineral resources are estimated to be worth a trillion dollars, making them a highly coveted asset for the Taliban regime. According to recent reports, roughly 200 contracts have been signed worth billions of dollars, with the mining sector expected to expand by 6.9% in 2023-2024. This growth has led to the creation of 150,000 jobs in the mining sector since 2021. Notably, countries such as China, Iran, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Qatar have invested in Afghanistan's mining sector, indicating the potential for significant revenue generation. However, the government has not disclosed revenue figures from the mining sector, leaving many questions about the economic impact of these investments. As the Taliban seeks to boost its revenue, the country's mineral wealth is likely to play a crucial role in shaping its economic future.