Afghanistan Mineral Wealth

A recent report posted on CNN revealed that U.S. military and geologists estimate the mineral weath in Afghanistan could be as high as $1 trillion. Specifically, the mineral deposits include gold, copper and iron. These are three widely used minerals in various technological applications. Certainly, these deposits could be a tremendous asset to the reconstruction and stabilization of a war-torn country.

However, I would like to warn Americans that historically, we do not have a good track record in "helping" countries with mineral wealth. Take a look at Congo, Africa. Congo is home to an abundance of an ore called, Coltan, short for columbite-tantalite. Coltan, when refined, is a very heat-resistant, corrosive-resistant, and highly conductive mineral used in all of today's technology including cell phones, laptops, games, hand held devices, etc. Historically, though, rather than this tremendous billion dollar business aid this war-torn country modernize, this wealth has fallen into the hands of corrupt governments of neighboring countries, including its own. Western countries, including those owned by previous American presidents, have aided the illegal trading of these valuable minerals. As a result, more people of Africa have died than in the Holocaust (some estimate as high as 7 million Africans). Over one million people still roam without food, shelter or occupation. And, a disheartening large number of children resort working in the mines or joing rebel militaries as a result of the war over the minerals.


Be discerning as the U.S. Government tries to "help" Afghanistan in developing its economic structure with this newly discovered wealth! I would hope the U.S. Government would learn from this tragedy in Congo before opening up this new mineral market to the Western World.