The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum (MoMP) said that progress has been made to begin mining of the Mes Aynak copper mine in Logar. 

According to MoMP, steps have been taken forward to remove current obstacles and provide facilities for the Chinese company, and that soon extraction from Mes Aynak will start. 

According to the Mines Ministry, the site in Logar has been estimated to hold over 11.5 million tons (metric) of copper. 

“Challenges have been nearly addressed and we have had consecutive meetings with the Chinese company and we are in negotiations to address some problems and provide conditions for the commencement of the major economic project,” said Hamayoon Afghan, the spokesman of the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum. 

This large mine is located 40 kilometers to the southeast of Kabul in Logar province, which contains the world's second-largest copper reserve and is considered a major source of Afghanistan's natural wealth.

“Until there is the transfer of and protection of historical monuments, we have more work to be done, the construction of an electricity plant and a road and an airport are also planned there,” said Zabihullah Mujahid the spokesman of the Islamic Emirate.

“It can be extraordinary for income and the productive aspect and the aspect of ... macro-economics and political connections in the region, it can play a great role,” said Sayed Masoud, an economist. 

“If the mines, especially the mines where there are historical remains, are extracted, it will be that a big investment for Afghanistan,” Abdul Nasir Rishtia another economist. 

The Afghanistan Chamber of Industries and Mines said that facilities have been provided for the extraction of this mine and if the work of extracting starts, it will provide work for thousands of people.

“The commencement of the Mes Aynak mine will provide good income both in terms of job creation and other economic areas,” said Sakhi Ahmad Paiman, the deputy of the Chamber of Mines and Industries. 

A contract for the Mes Aynak mine was signed with the Chinese MCC company for 30 years of extraction from 1999 but was not commenced for various reasons, including the discovery of ancient artifacts in this area during the previous government.