OVERVIEW

The primary objective of the Extractive Technical Assistance Activity is to compile and analyze U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data on the deposit type, infrastructure, resources, and current commodity value of Afghanistan’s mineral resources to inform new mining contracts and awards.

The USGS will assess the commercial viability of Afghanistan's mineral resources through capacity building within the Afghanistan Geological Survey (AGS) and the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum (MoMP). The project will determine where Afghanistan’s data collection systems need to be improved to provide accurate and comprehensive information concerning the country’s mineral resources and existing infrastructure capable of supporting current and potential mining operations.

ACTIVITIES

• Analyze gemstones in Afghanistan and nationwide
• Analyze mineral packages, geospatial data, and categorizing deposits
• Analyze and link economically valuable deposits and release a minerals market report under AGS and MoMP auspices

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• One advanced team and one new GIS and Remote Sensing team formed by the AGS
• Information packages support the advancement of geological exploration within the Areas of Interests
• Robert Seal, Carlin Green, Siddiq Kalaly completed their TDY to Kabul in April 2019
• USGS, in collaboration with the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) of Department of Commerce and the Colorado School of Mines, is developing the technical curricula for an 18-month training program for MoMP employees
• AGS data management team continue to become familiarized with the USGS geospatial products
• In-country capacity building advanced the geospatial capabilities of the AGS