The sun was shining over Logar province as a new page was being written in Afghanistan’s history. The mountains surrounding the Mes Aynak copper mine were watching as an economic revival and cultural preservation was happening.
Mes Aynak: A New Dawn for Afghanistan?
On Wednesday, July 24 morning a delegation of high-ranking officials from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and China gathered at the Mes Aynak copper mine. The delegation was led by Sheikh Shahabuddin Delawar, the Acting Minister of Mines and Petroleum, who was the most important figure in this long-awaited project. Along with him were Mullah Khairullah Khairkhwa, the Acting Minister of Information and Culture, and Zhao Xing, the Chinese ambassador to Kabul. They were accompanied by Li Qun, China’s Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mawlavi Zia-ur-Rahman Madani, the governor of Logar, and representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Water.
Key Meetings for the Mes Aynak Copper Mine Project
The Mes Aynak copper mine project started to move in 2008 with the initial agreements and project kick-off with China Metallurgical Group Corporation (MCC). Big progress was made in June 2023 when Afghan officials met with MCC representatives to discuss the restart of the project and address the main issues. Then another important meeting was held in December 2023 to finalize the operational plan and to protect the archaeological sites around Mes Aynak. Finally, on July 24, 2024, the Inauguration ceremony was held and the practical work started, with high-ranking Afghan and Chinese officials in attendance.
Inspection and Progress Updates
The entourage moved through the mine’s vastness, checking out all the different parts of the site. The landscape, scarred by years of war, now was a symbol of hope and rebirth. The Mes Aynak project originally initiated in 2008, long delayed by war, was finally happening thanks to the Afghan government and China Metallurgical Group Corporation (MCC).
In a big meeting with MCC officials, they shared detailed updates on the project and the upcoming activities. The MCC officials, responsible for mining the world’s second-largest copper deposit, talked about the upcoming plans, including the construction of a road to the Aynak copper mine. This was big news, most of the project issues were resolved and now the work can start.
Balancing Economic Growth and Cultural Preservation
Sheikh Shahabuddin Delawar, the Acting Minister of Mines and Petroleum, is optimistic about the project, and the economic benefits that will come to the region. The Afghan officials are also very clear about preserving the archaeological heritage of Mes Aynak. The area is famous for its ancient Buddhist relics, it’s a cultural hub. Mullah Khairullah Khairkhwa, the Acting Minister of Information and Culture, who has a great respect for the historical monuments said the protection of the monuments is very important. He assured the Ministry of Information and Culture would fully cooperate to make sure the mining would not harm these sites.
Commitment to Protecting Archaeological Sites
The delegation visited the archaeological sites near the copper mine to see this commitment in action. They saw the remains of an ancient civilization and the intricate artifacts that tell the story of the past. Chinese Ambassador Zhao Xing and Vice Minister Li Qun also agreed with the Afghan officials that the preservation of these sites is very important.
Also See: Carved In Time: The Rock Art Of Pakistan And Afghanistan
Practical Considerations and Future Cooperation
In addition to the cultural aspect, the practical side was also discussed. The Deputy of the Ministry of Energy and Water assured to provide essential services like electricity and water to the copper mine. This was crucial for the project to be successful and to have a balance between economic growth and cultural preservation.
![Remains of Buddha statues inside an ancient temple in Mes Aynak Copper Mine, Afghanistan. [Image: AP].](https://pkafgyouthforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1ce8ceb6-1699-11e7-8424-32eaba91fe03_1280x720_201317-1024x683.webp)
A New Era of Hope and Collaboration
The images from Mes Aynak certainly evoke a sense of optimism. It’s a promising sign to see Afghan and Chinese officials coming together for such a significant project. The potential economic benefits for Afghanistan are undeniable.
Delayed for 16 years due to war and conflict, with 11.5 million tonnes of copper ore, the Mes Aynak copper project is a hope for Afghanistan’s future—offering promises of economic revival, job creation and sustainable development.
However, let’s not forget that the true measure of this project’s success will be in its sustainability.
While the project itself signifies progress, its success hinges on a stable environment. Years of conflict have left scars, not just on the landscape surrounding Mes Aynak, but on the nation’s very fabric. For it to truly flourish, a stable and secure environment is paramount. A clear message needs to be sent – that Afghan soil will no longer serve as a breeding ground for certain groups or spoilers seeking to disrupt peace and security, not just within Afghanistan’s borders, but also in the broader regional context. The gains made here mustn’t be undermined by lingering instability or cross-border challenges.
This article reflects the author’s perspective and not the official views of the Pak-Afghan Youth Forum (PAYF).
