Kazakhstan eyes mining opportunities in Afghanistan

Kazakh geologists collect ore samples in Afghanistan’s Nuristan Province, signaling growing economic cooperation between Kabul and Astana

KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — Afghanistan’s mining sector is drawing increased international attention, with a team of Kazakhstani geologists beginning prospecting operations in the resource-rich Nuristan Province.

According to a report by The Times of Central Asia, a team of Kazakhstani geologists and engineers traveled to Afghanistan in mid-April to prospect potential mining sites.

During the visit, specialists collected 130 kilograms of ore samples from Nuristan, targeting deposits of beryllium, lead, and zinc. 

The samples have been sent to Kazakhstan for laboratory analysis, which will determine the next steps in possible mining development.

Nuristan Province, located along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border south of the Hindu Kush mountains, is traditionally known for artisanal mining of precious and semi-precious stones, including lazurite, ruby, and emerald.

Although at least 55 gemstone deposits have been identified, industrial-scale extraction of metals like lead and zinc has remained largely untapped.

The Afghan Ministry of Mines and Petroleum welcomed Kazakhstan’s interest.

During a recent meeting in Kabul, Afghan Minister of Mines and Petroleum Hedayatullah Badri and Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin agreed to expand geological cooperation. 

Afghan officials expressed readiness to share information about confirmed mineral reserves and to facilitate further exploration by Kazakh companies.

Kazakhstan’s exploration efforts are not limited to Nuristan.

Another delegation of Kazakhstani specialists is scheduled to arrive in Afghanistan by the end of May to survey additional sites of interest.

Kazakhstan, which boasts a robust pool of extractive industries, sees Afghanistan as a strategic partner in its broader plan to strengthen ties across Central and South Asia.

Representatives from major Kazakh companies, including ERG Exploration, Kazakhmys Barlau, and Kazatomprom, participated in the discussions, which also resulted in the formation of a joint technical commission to address operational and regulatory matters.

At the Kazakhstan-Afghanistan Business Forum held in Kabul, Zhumangarin emphasized Afghanistan’s potential to serve as a critical logistics hub linking Central and South Asia.

He noted that Astana aims to increase bilateral trade with Kabul to $3 billion in the short term by building sustainable supply chains and expanding investment opportunities.

Kazakhstan also proposed opening a Kazakh trade house in Kabul to boost commercial exchanges and suggested the export of buses manufactured by QazTehna LLP, alongside ongoing talks to export cars produced in Kostanay and Almaty.

Economic engagement between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan is accelerating despite regional challenges, with both sides viewing expanded trade and investment as a pathway toward greater economic resilience.