Afghan mineral wealth offers security or conflict

[unhappycamper]

http://atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/SOU-01-041013.html



Afghan mineral wealth offers security or conflict
Oct 4, '13
By Frud Bezhan

Afghanistan's mineral wealth is closely tied to its future prospects. If managed well, the theory goes, the mining sector could be the backbone of a sustainable economy, fund national security, and stabilize the government.

But the country's natural resources could just as easily undercut Kabul's efforts to stand on its own by exacerbating corruption, forcing a sell-off of prized assets to foreign investors, and becoming yet another source of violent conflict.

Based on its handling of the mining sector, observers say, it looks like Afghanistan is on course to join the raft of countries afflicted by the "resource curse".

The Mines and Petroleum Ministry estimates that Afghanistan boasts oil, gas, iron ore, copper, and gold deposits worth about US$1 trillion. Kabul hopes to generate about $4 billion a year in mining and energy revenue over the next decade. Yet in 2012, the two sectors brought in less than $150 million combined.

[dipsydoodle]

1. China will probably get most concessions

and if they open up the Wakhjir Pass fully they've even got a land route across the joint border.

China's Strategy in Afghanistan http://www.theatlantic.com/china/archive/2013/05/chinas-strategy-in-afghanistan/276052/

China well-placed to reap rewards in Afghanistan http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/comment/china-well-placed-to-reap-rewards-in-afghanistan