Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 02/2015

Afghanistan's Emerging Mining Oligarchy

Javed Noorani

January 2015

United States Institute of Peace

Abstract

Rich in natural resources—ferrous and nonferrous metals and strategic minerals in particular—Afghanistan faces a dual threat as international troops withdraw and international aid declines. On the one hand are inadequate government revenues. On the other is the resource curse that affects so many low-income countries. This report, drawn from case studies of five ongoing Afghan mining operations, addresses resource exploitation, its impact on the political economy and internal conflict, and possible ways forward.