Responsible Mining May Hold the Key to Afghanistan’s Future
Many believe that if Afghanistan’s mineral resources were developed and extracted effectively, the country could improve its economic fortunes while lowering its dependence on foreign aid. Illegal mining, most often done irresponsibly, is common throughout Afghanistan to raise money for terrorists, armed militias, and insurgency groups. A stable government with sound policies could promote economic growth by fostering a healthy mining industry. However, with an undeveloped mining industry or infrastructure in place, it could take many years for Afghanistan to fully exploit its mineral wealth.
Who Will Partner with Afghanistan?
In late July, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with a delegation led by Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Tianjin, China. Shortly following the Taliban’s take-over of Afghanistan, China’s foreign ministry signaled that it was ready for friendly cooperation with Afghanistan. China dominates the rare earths market globally. Russia has been engaging with the Taliban for years and is expected to seek opportunities to extend its influence.
Take-Away
Many of the world’s richest mineral resources are found in countries characterized by widespread poverty, extreme wealth inequality, unstable political regimes, and corruption. It should not be surprising that for those that hold democratic elections, populist or left-leaning candidates promising greater wealth equality and social programs are gaining more traction in countries like Mexico and Peru. This may provide an opening for countries like China that have instituted global development programs, such as the Belt and Road initiative, that provide financing and aid in exchange for greater influence. The lesson in Afghanistan may be that economic and intellectual resources aimed at economic development may have a more durable impact than seeking purely military solutions. In the case of Afghanistan, it may be too late.