The China Metallurgical Group Corporation (MCC) is no closer to starting mining for copper in Aynak – a potential source of huge tax revenue for Afghanistan.
The mine in Logar was handed over to MCC in 2008. It not only missed its May 2013 deadline, but also says some of the conditions in the contract with the government are contentious.
According to sources and documents provided by the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, MCC is trying to wriggle out of its commitment to expand the rail from dry ports in the north to Turnham, construct a 400 MW power plant and a copper melting factory, and pay royalty to the government.
Since last year the MCC has been seeking a review, and a five-year extension.
The Afghan government was to receive between 250 and 500 million USD royalty payment per year once production is in full swing.
Governor of Logar Niaz Mohammad Amiri dismisses the Chinese mining company’s complaints about security. “The ancient relics have been removed from the mine site (relics from Bronze Age and Buddhist era sites), the area cleared of landmines, yet the MCC says there is no security, and it is bothered by the locals. I reject all these excuses,” he told Killid.
He charges the Ministry of Mines of neglecting Aynak. “It is crucial the ministry pays attention,” he said. “If there is a problem in the agreement it should have been resolved. If the (Chinese) company keeps delaying the project the loss is Afghanistan’s,” said Governor Amiri.
MCC is tightlipped, and has refused to speak to the media.
Rafi Sidiqi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Mines, said the Chinese corporation was not backing down, and “extraction is expected to start soon.”
Work on preparing the site for mining – securing historic relics – has not been completed, he said. “The green signal would be given after the special commission and council of minister’s give approval,” he explained.
The Aynak copper mine project was won by MCC, which offered one billion USD more than others bidding for the project.
Dr Ajmal Zaheer, an economist, wonders if the MCC was the most suitable partner. “The agreement was signed too quickly … The MCC may now try to bargain for more concessions, and force the government to reduce its share,” he thinks.
Parwan insecurity
Governor Abdul Basir Salangi has accused former Jihadi commanders for the poor security situation. At a press conference he identified them by name, and said he has documents to prove their involvement.
Killid decided to track down and interview the accused but not everyone could be found. Those we spoke to reject the allegations, and said the governor was trying to find a scapegoat. Armed groups have killed nearly 160 people in Parwan in recent months.
One of the accused, General Fazludin Ayara, the commander of a brigade on the eastern border, said nearly daily skirmishes with militants kept him busy, and he had no time to create problems in Parwan. “If the authorities in Parwan are accusing us they should provide evidence. Where is the proof that we gave weapons?” he asked.
According to General Ayara, the Parwan governor should quell unrest in Ghorband district. “There is looting and Salangi is resting,” he says rhetorically.
Nimroz police commander Qasim Jangal Bagh who is from Parwan, is as vociferous. “This is the governor’s personal view, we reject it. I am a part of the government. I have two soldiers from the Ministry of Interior Affairs with two cars and two guns. They cannot move out of my house. How would they create insecurity?” he asks.
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