Afghan copper mine holds promise for Taliban, tempered expectations for China

As work begins on long-delayed, multibillion-dollar project, Chinese officials remain cautious, while economic hopes rise in war-torn country

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Taliban security personnel surround an excavator during the inauguration ceremony. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:24pm, 25 Jul 2024Updated: 11:55pm, 25 Jul 2024

After 16 years of delays due to war, a groundbreaking ceremony for what will be the world’s second largest copper mine was held on Wednesday between China and Afghanistan.

State-owned China Metallurgical Group Corporation (MCC) started construction on a 25km (15.5 mile) road to the Mes Aynak Copper Mine, one of the largest untouched copper deposits in central Afghanistan’s Logar province.

Zhao Xing, China’s ambassador in Kabul, told Taliban officials at the ceremony that road construction was “a significant step”, according to a report by television broadcaster TOLOnews.

“The start of the Mes Aynak … road construction is very important in implementing future plans for this project and facilitates the excavation route, which is a significant step in the Mes Aynak Copper Mine project,” Zhao said.

He added that China was coordinating with the United Nations and other countries to ensure stability and progress for Afghanistan.

Abdul Ghani Baradar, Taliban’s deputy prime minister for economic affairs, said the security of investors and workers living in the country would be ensured.