Afghanistan- Government says to ban illegal mining

(MENAFN- Afghanistan Times) AT News Report

KABUL: The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum says it would ban
'illegal exploitation of mineral resources' to serve national interests.

Acting Minister, Narges Nehan, said Wednesday at a press
conference that the ministry began survey across the country to find illegal
exploitation of mineral resources and ultimately ban illegal mining.   

She added that the ministry approved a roadmap which
included government's 'broader policy' toward mining. The efforts were aimed at
legalization of mineral exploitation.

'We have approved and offered findings from four provinces
to the National Security Council,' said Ms. Nehan. 'We found the exact
locations and the kind of minerals that were illegally extracted in the four
provinces.'

She noted that the ministry revised mining and hydrocarbon
law to pave way for more investment in the mining sector.

'We have finalized the regulation of mining and have sent a
copy to the ministry of justice for review,' said Ms. Nehan. 'We are hoping to
have approval of The National Security Council in the next few weeks.'

The ministry mines and petroleum increased efforts to
convince foreign investors for investing in the country. But amid the raging
war, illegal mining remained widespread and handful investors took the risk to invest
in the country.

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