Beijing moves to slow rush for Afghanistan’s resources by Chinese miners

Mining companies reminded that interim government in Kabul has regulations and there are penalties for breaking them

Beijing has not formally recognised the Taliban interim government but is willing to explore cooperation when situation stabilises

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China’s embassy in Kabul has reminded mining companies to be cautious about exploring potential investment sites in Afghanistan. Photo: AFP

Published: 12:26pm, 17 Dec 2021Updated: 4:31pm, 17 Dec 2021

Chinese mining companies have been warned against “blindly” organising inspection trips to sites in Afghanistan, after reports that some of them are looking for opportunities in the Central Asian nation since the withdrawal of US troops in August.

A statement issued by the Chinese embassy in Kabul said Afghanistan’s interim government had regulations regarding the examination of mineral resources, and a permit was needed.

“There have been a number of incidents of foreign nationals being held without permits in various parts of the country,” it said.

“Chinese companies and citizens are requested not to blindly listen to all kinds of information related to the development of mineral cooperation, and do not violate local laws and regulations to avoid various risks such as safety.”

Yu Minghui, Chinese director of the China-Arab Economic and Trade Promotion Committee, said representatives of five Chinese companies obtained special visas and arrived in Afghanistan early in November to conduct on-site inspections.

Earlier this month, he said on China’s social media platform Weibo that Chinese companies were also inquiring about the status of Afghanistan’s lithium, antimony, beryllium, lead and zinc deposits.