In Afghanistan, there is plenty, but the abundance has become a curse to many Afghans. The Taliban rule is not running the mining sector towards the good of the people. It is being put in a framing to give power structure. Instead of being used as assets of the country, gold, gemstones, coal, copper, and rare minerals are exploited as cash machines. It is expected that the result is the replacement of the revenue extraction with the development, the coercion with the consent and the profits with the armed networks rather than the schools, clinics and the jobs.

Mining can be a provider of bread to a poor country. When carried out correctly, it will create jobs, build highways, bring in investment and fund government services. Outraged, it foments war, corruption and rapacity. Taliban has been propelling Afghanistan along the second path. They have control over mines and get hard currency, patronage and leverage over the local leaders. It also offers them an avenue of rewarding loyal commanders and punishing communities that are viewed to be unfaithful. When the state is turned into a spoil of a cause it is more precious than a ministry.

The fact that Taliban collect taxes is not the biggest problem. Any government generates revenue. The secrecy, the force and impunity that surround the sector are the compounds of each other. Permits and contracts are not subject to any public scrutiny. Residents do not actually have a........

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