Ministry of Mines and Petroleum Organizes Tender for 10,000 Tons of Lead and Zinc in Bamyan

The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan has successfully held a competitive tender for the extraction and sale of 10,000 tons of lead and zinc from the Gunda Kotal area in Yakawlang district of Bamyan province. The event, which took place recently, marked an important step in promoting Afghanistan’s mining sector and contributing to the national economy.

The tender session was attended by Mawlawi Hesamuddin Saberi, the Deputy Minister for Finance and Administration of the Ministry, along with senior ministry officials, the appointed tender evaluation committee, representatives from participating companies, and various media outlets. The session provided an opportunity for transparency and public oversight, ensuring the fairness of the bidding process.

During the event, Mawlawi Saberi emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring the responsible and transparent utilization of Afghanistan’s natural resources. He highlighted the significance of using these resources for the development of the country’s infrastructure, with the aim of improving the livelihoods of Afghan citizens. "Our duty is to serve the nation with transparency, integrity, and dedication. The proper utilization of Afghanistan's vast natural resources will play a pivotal role in developing the nation and creating job opportunities for our citizens," said Saberi.

The Gunda Kotal mine, located in the Yakawlang district of Bamyan, is a known source of lead and zinc, essential materials used in various industrial processes, from construction to electronics. Following the tender process, a total of 41 bidding companies competed for the contract to extract and sell the lead and zinc. After careful evaluation of the bids, the contract was awarded to the Dr. Anwari Achak Helmandi Mining Company, which placed the highest bid of 28,995 Afghanis per ton for the 10,000 tons of lead and zinc.

This deal is seen as an essential step in Afghanistan's ongoing efforts to unlock its mining potential and attract both domestic and international investments. The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum noted that the successful execution of the contract would contribute to the development of Bamyan province and create employment opportunities for local communities.

The extraction of 10,000 tons of lead from the Gunda Kotal mine is expected to be completed over several phases, with ongoing oversight from the Ministry to ensure environmental standards are met and the mining activities are conducted responsibly. The proceeds from the sale of the lead and zinc will be directed towards infrastructure development projects, such as road construction, educational facilities, and healthcare services, which are crucial for the welfare of the people in the region.

Dr. Anwari Achak Helmandi Mining Company, the winning bidder, has a history of involvement in the Afghan mining sector and is expected to bring its expertise to ensure the efficient extraction and sale of the lead and zinc from the Bamyan mine. The company’s successful bid follows a broader trend of increasing private sector involvement in Afghanistan's mining industry, which has long been seen as one of the country’s most promising sources of revenue.

This development comes at a time when Afghanistan is seeking to revive and modernize its mining industry, with the aim of capitalizing on its rich deposits of minerals and natural resources. The success of this tender is expected to inspire more foreign and local investment in the sector, which could lead to further economic growth and job creation across the country.

The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum also assured the public that it would continue to prioritize transparency in all future bidding processes. The government is keen to ensure that the benefits from natural resource extraction are maximized for the Afghan people, particularly in terms of economic development and job creation.

As Afghanistan continues to recover and rebuild, the mining sector is emerging as a key contributor to the country's economic revitalization. The successful sale of the 10,000 tons of lead and zinc is just one example of the government's efforts to strengthen the nation's economy through the prudent management of its natural resources. With this contract, the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has underscored its commitment to fostering a stable, transparent, and growing mining sector that will benefit the people of Afghanistan for years to come.