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This paper analyzes the evolution of Afghanistan's extractive sector from the Republic's development efforts to the current governance structure under the Taliban. It details how pre-2021 mineral development stalled due to unrealistic expectations, insecurity, and capacity gaps, and warns that current governance poses high risks. The study concludes with an analysis of the new de facto authorities' priorities and the potential for a new wave of opaque resource exploitation.
2.Industrial-Scale Looting of Afghanistan's Mineral Resources
This landmark report exposes how a "shadow economy" of mineral extraction, involving medium-sized mines, grew into a public, industrial-scale looting operation worth hundreds of millions of dollars annually. The authors argue that this corruption was enabled by entrenched political networks, strengthening warlords and partially funding the Taliban and other insurgent groups. It calls for immediate measures, including halting new contracts and enforcing existing taxes, to prevent the resource curse.
3.Exploitation of Mineral Resources in Afghanistan
This brief examines five key mining case studies, revealing that companies were wantonly exploiting resources, resulting in over $50 million in annual revenue losses from just those five sites due to non-payment of royalties and rent. It highlights widespread political interference in contracting, impunity for contract violations, and the resulting community conflicts, which sometimes led to violence. The paper strongly recommends reforming the Mineral Law to include transparency on beneficial ownership and clear penalties for abuse.
4. TAPI: Impact on Security and Development of the Region
This study investigates the geopolitical and security challenges facing the multi-billion dollar Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, one of the region's most ambitious projects. It maps the volatile provinces in Afghanistan and Pakistan through which the pipeline would run, detailing the risk of fragmenting communities and displacing people. The paper concludes that while TAPI could be an engine for regional integration and economic development, its success depends critically on achieving regional security dialogue and de-politicizing its implementation.The best link is often to the PDF document itself:
This human rights-focused analysis examines how Afghanistan's extensive mineral wealth fails to benefit the local population, despite a structured legal framework. The author argues that a lack of implementation allows corrupt politicians and local warlords to plunder the sector, leading to community displacement and human rights abuses. It proposes strengthening anti-corruption measures, revising legal provisions, and guaranteeing meaningful community consultations to ensure mineral resources contribute to national welfare.