QALAT (Pajhwok): Officials of southern Zabul mines department said different kinds of mines could be found in various parts of this province, but proper survey was needed to identify its exact volume and location.
HamidullahRasuli, director provincial mines department, told Pajhwok Afghan News authorities have been able to excavate the Jasper mine in DaiChopan district through a legal contract in one year.
The provincial department has obtained 200,000 afghanis revenue from the Jasper mine so far, he said, adding DaiChopan, Mizan, Naubahar, Shamalzo and other districts have large scale reservoirs of gold, marble, azure, coal, and other precious stones.
Residents of the province said large scale natural reservoirs exist in the province and the government should introduce measures for their excavation.
Haji Asadullah, a tribal elder in Mizan district, told Pajhwok Afghan News gold reserves had been discovered during king Zahir Shah’s regime while authorities had failed to utilize them in larger nation and country’s interests.
He said the government initiative for the excavation of gold reservoirs in the province would help generate employment opportunities and help them control from joining militants’ ranks.
SaeedZabuli, another resident, said largest gold reservoir of Afghanistan was situated in Zabul province. During the reign of King Zahir Shah, excavation work continued on the site, however, the three decades of war haltedits mining.
Haji Aminullah, a tribal elder from Shinki district, noted the government was ignoring Zabul province in terms of development project despite the fact that the province was rich in natural resources and precious stones.
He told Pajhwok Afghan News lawlessness was the major factor halting mining of natural reservoirs in the province.
He insisted locals were not involved in illegal mining but mafia groups continued mining and smuggling of precious stones.
Abdul Jalil, an elder in DaiChopan district said his locality was rich in mines of gold, azure and other precious stones and the government should work out a plan to utilize the natural assets in country and locals’ interests.
The mines are situated in the Chalakor and Larzablocalities, he added.
Proper excavation of natural resources would leave positive impact on economy of people on the one hand while on the other the provincial government would boost its revenue to great extent, he observed.
nh/rm