A major mining company from Kazakhstan is preparing to begin field activities aimed at exploring and developing chromium resources in Afghanistan, according to reports published by Kazakh media outlets.
Kazinform reported on Tuesday that Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) is evaluating two possible pathways for entering Afghanistan’s mining sector: acquiring an existing chromium mine or establishing a joint investment venture with Afghan partners.
Mining cooperation was reportedly discussed during a meeting between Serik Zhumangarin, Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, and Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs.
According to the report, the discussions also covered the import of Afghanistan’s industrial-grade aquamarine stone to Kazakhstan for processing.
The two sides are additionally planning to sign a memorandum of understanding for the export of 30,000 tons of Afghan zinc ore to Kazakhstan, valued at approximately $18.8 million.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce previously announced that 25 cooperation agreements were signed between Afghan and Kazakh private-sector companies during a joint business forum held in Kabul.
During his recent visit to Afghanistan, Serik Zhumangarin met several senior Taliban officials, including Mullah Hassan Akhund, Sirajuddin Haqqani, Nooruddin Azizi and Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, to discuss expanding economic and trade cooperation.
Although Kazakhstan has not formally recognized the Taliban government, economic ties between the two sides have expanded in recent years. Officials from both countries have repeatedly expressed support for maintaining commercial engagement.
Yerkin Tokumov, Kazakhstan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, recently stated that the removal of the Taliban from Kazakhstan’s list of terrorist organizations does not constitute formal recognition. He emphasized that Astana continues to pursue a policy of “engagement without recognition.”
Afghanistan is believed to possess significant deposits of chromium, copper, lithium, rare earth elements and other strategic minerals. As international interest in critical mineral supplies grows, the country’s mining sector is increasingly viewed as one of its most promising areas for foreign investment.
From Nimruz TV’s perspective, the potential entry of a major Kazakh mining company into Afghanistan reflects growing regional interest in the country’s natural resources. While security, regulatory and political challenges remain, continued foreign investment in mining could become an important source of economic activity and export revenue for Afghanistan in the coming years.
