The Natural Resources Monitoring Network (NRMN) on Monday said studies show that a host of problems have been found within the mining law, which in turn is slowing down investment in this sector.

The practice of giving contracts to relatives of government officials and the lack of details contained within articles of the law regarding contracts are some of the problems, said the network.

According to the network, currently a big chunk of revenue from the sector goes in to the pockets of a few powerful men and armed anti-government groups.

“I think the law should be amended and also it should be implemented properly. In addition to this, special attention should be paid to the executive structures and the monitoring of natural resources,” Ibrahim Jafari, a member of NRMN said.

The Integrity Watch Afghanistan (IWA) meanwhile said the law needs to be reviewed.

“Afghanistan has lost its reputation in managing the mining sector and it can be regained through amending the law and assuring transparency in this sector,” Nasir Timori, a senior researcher of IWA said.

The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum (MoMP) meanwhile said they are trying to resolve the problems and if needed, they will amend the law.

“The mining law has been amended many times and it can be amended again. If it is needed, considering the national interest, the ministry leadership team will think about the amendments,” Zabihullah Sarwari, a spokesman of the ministry said.

According to the Natural Resources Monitoring Network, the Ministry of Mines in addition to amending the law, should also promote the management of mines and enhance capacity.