The Honorable Minister of Mines and Petroleum, Alhaj Mullah Hedayatullah Badri, officially signed the contract for the extraction and processing of the Talc Mine located in the Wach Bandar area of Achin district, Nangarhar province, with Enayat Esmat Minerals Extraction & Processing Company on October 23, 2026 (2nd of Aqrab 1405). The designated block spans an area of 3.934967 square kilometers, representing a total project investment of $38,748,771.64 USD.
During the official signing ceremony, the Minister of Mines and Petroleum highlighted the strategic importance and economic value of the project, announcing that the lease for this mine has been granted for a duration of 15 years, with a royalty rate set at 1,395 AFN per ton paid to the Islamic Emirate. He firmly emphasized that the contracting company is strictly obligated to conduct all extraction and operational activities in full compliance with the national Mining Law, relevant regulatory frameworks, and all commitments stipulated within the provisions of the contract.
In addition to the standard royalty payments, Enayat Esmat Minerals Extraction & Processing Company has committed to investing $218,750 USD into various local social services and community development sectors. Furthermore, the company is bound to rigorously implement its environmental protection pledges to ensure sustainable operations and fully observe environmental standards.
The implementation of this large-scale project is projected to generate employment opportunities for approximately 408 individuals, both directly and indirectly, significantly boosting the local economy.