The swift fall of Afghanistan to Taliban fighters has triggered a humanitarian crisis, with thousands trying to flee the country. Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world. Approximately 90% of Afghans live below the government determined poverty line. However geologists over the years have revealed that the country has been sitting on mineral deposits worth nearly $1 trillion. Afghanistan has probably one of the world’s biggest deposits of lithium “ an essential component in rechargeable batteries and other technologies vital to tackling the climate crisis. The demand for cobalt, nickel as well as rare earth elements is soaring as countries try to switch to electric cars and other technologies in order to reduce carbon emission. Afghanistan also reportedly has vast reserves of gold, platinum, silver, copper, iron, chromite, uranium and aluminium. It is also rich in precious gems like emeralds, rubies, sapphire and other gemstones. Lack of infrastructure, political instability, widespread corruption and a difficult business environment, security challenges have reportedly prevented the extraction of these valuable minerals. According to experts this is unlikely to change under Taliban rule. Hence countries like China, Pakistan and Russia are showing keen interest in the Taliban controlled Afghanistan.
