The regular meeting of the Economic Commission was held under the leadership of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy PM for Economic Affairs. The meeting took place today, May 29, 2025, at the Marmarin Palace.
In accordance with the agenda, the issue of awarding the contract for iron ore deposits in Siyah Dara area, Yakawlang District of Bamyan Province, to Milat Steel and Khan Waziri companies was presented. After a detailed discussion, the awarding of the contract for the iron ore deposits in Siyah Dara was approved on the condition that the mentioned companies establish 100% iron processing plants within the country and provide 20% royalty from fully processed iron to the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum.
The issue of royalty for the first and second blocks of the gypsum mine in Kori Tao area, Chahar Dara District of Kunduz Province, was also brought up for discussion. After deliberation, a royalty of 250 Afghanis per ton of gypsum was set for both blocks.
Additionally, the royalty matters concerning the marble stone mines in Luqman Dand area, Goshta District, and Jokan area, Hisarak District of Nangarhar Province, were discussed. Following comprehensive discussions, the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum was tasked with conducting negotiations with the winning companies regarding the royalty rates for these mines and submitting its report to the Economic Commission.
The meeting also discussed the contract for nephrite stone deposits in Walgai village, Tagab District of Kapisa Province. Based on the recommendation of the Technical Committee of the Economic Commission and after thorough discussions, it was decided to approve the awarding of the contract to the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum with a 60% royalty.
In conclusion, the meeting addressed the contract for the serpentine stone deposits in Gat Mena, Jarubi Markikhel area, Sherzad District of Nangarhar Province. After detailed discussion, it was decided that the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum should open this mine for public bidding, select a qualified company based on financial and technical evaluations, and present the recommendation to the Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Office.
The above decisions were sent to the esteemed office of the Amir al-Mu’minin for final approval.