$1 trillion in untapped mineral deposits found in Afghanistan

**raycarey** · 14-06-2010, 11:55 AM

The previously unknown deposits — including huge veins of iron, copper, cobalt, gold and critical industrial metals like lithium — are so big and include so many minerals that are essential to modern industry that Afghanistan could eventually be transformed into one of the most important mining centers in the world, the United States officials believe.

good news, right?

well....

Instead of bringing peace, the new found mineral wealth could lead the Taliban to battle even more fiercely to regain control of the country.

The corruption that is already rampant in the Karzai government could also be amplified by the new wealth, particularly if a handful of well-connected oligarchs, some with personal ties to the president, gain control of the resources. Just last year, Afghanistan’s minister of mines was accused by American officials of accepting a $30 million bribe to award China the rights to develop its copper mine. The minister has since been replaced.

Endless fights could erupt between the central government in Kabul and provincial and tribal leaders in mineral-rich districts. Afghanistan has a national mining law, written with the help of advisers from the World Bank, but it has never faced a serious challenge.

and isn't it a bit curious that this story comes out at this time? i have a feeling there's another shoe which is about to drop.

U.S. Identifies Vast Riches of Minerals in Afghanistan - NYTimes.com

**Nawty** · 14-06-2010, 12:02 PM

Did the minister have to refund the $30mil...and did china still get the rights ?

**Butterfly** · 14-06-2010, 12:09 PM

right, it's a lost battle, not sure how long before everyone go home with their tails between their legs

**Camel Toe** · 14-06-2010, 12:10 PM

The good news is we won't be dying for oil any more. Wouldn't you rather die for a nice shiny mineral than a swatch of that greasy black slimy oil?

**Panda** · 14-06-2010, 05:23 PM

Only a $trillion. USA must have spent close to that much already going round and shooting up the place while those crafty Chinese are ready to move in and get the contracts. No wonder Karzi is turning his back on the Yanks and doing deals with the Taliban.

**phomsanuk** · 14-06-2010, 05:45 PM

Possibly money is the only thing to tame that wild country but they'll probably use it to support the Jihad.

**good2bhappy** · 14-06-2010, 05:48 PM

From the dawn of time afghanistan has been known as a source of minerals

**the dogcatcher** · 14-06-2010, 05:59 PM

Far from tame it.
It,s already started arguements.
Should think the tribal leaders are already wringing their Knarled little monkey hands and racking their brain trying to work out ways for getting fabulously rich.
"Stuff the 72 virgins in heaven, we'll bus the bitches in".

**Tom Sawyer** · 14-06-2010, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by raycarey

The corruption that is already rampant in the Karzai government could also be amplified by the new wealth, particularly if a handful of well-connected oligarchs, some with personal ties to the president, gain control of the resources. Just last year, Afghanistan’s minister of mines was accused by American officials of accepting a $30 million bribe to award China the rights to develop its copper mine.

Yes - it would be so much better:

"if a handful of well-connected oligarchs, some with personal ties to the (US) president (and Republican Party Officials), gain control of the resources" I'm sure they'll be out there fighting the good fight for the ordinary Afghans to ensure the money is put to use to reduce infant mortality rates, introduce universal health care and quality education..

Nerve of those Chinese and Afghans anyway thinking they have any rights to anything..

**Panda** · 14-06-2010, 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by phomsanuk

Possibly money is the only thing to tame that wild country but they'll probably use it to support the Jihad.

A $trillion could buy a lot of IEDs.
Remains to be seen if the Yanks are prepared to match the Taliban $ for $ now.
Karzi seems to be leaning more towards the Taliban at the moment.

**Bower** · 14-06-2010, 09:21 PM

Why is it i can only see news from Afganistan as bad. We are told by many many goverments we cannot leave but me i just want all our sons and daughters back home.

**Camel Toe** · 15-06-2010, 12:18 AM

Originally Posted by good2bhappy

From the dawn of time afghanistan has been known as a source of minerals

A day after the Big Bang?

**Camel Toe** · 15-06-2010, 12:20 AM

Anyone see or remember the film Blood Diamond , first 2 minutes? The fate of Afghanistan is in that spiel.

**bec101** · 15-06-2010, 12:29 AM

good movie to bad there is all that crap going on

Originally Posted by Camel Toe

Anyone see or remember the film Blood Diamond , first 2 minutes? The fate of Afghanistan is in that spiel.

**Camel Toe** · 15-06-2010, 12:33 AM

I like Afghan people. Too bad they are such a hapless nation.

**Ghandi** · 15-06-2010, 02:01 AM

[QUOTE=raycarey;1470296]Afghanistan has a national mining law, written with the help of advisers from the World Bank, but it has never faced a serious challenge.

and isn't it a bit curious that this story comes out at this time? i have a feeling there's another shoe which is about to drop.

Shame your ballz never dropped Rally Scary cause the world bank is run by the Jews you love so much.

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$1 trillion in untapped mineral deposits found in Afghanistan

yes, good movie to bad there is all that crap going on

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