Taliban Launch Balkhab Coal Project, Pledge Jobs, Economic Growth

DID Press: Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Taliban’s Deputy PM for Economic Affairs of the caretaker government, inaugurated the professional extraction of Balkhab coal mine and the construction of connecting roads to the district’s mining sites during his visit to Sar-e Pul province.

Speaking at a ceremony, Baradar described the country’s natural resources as a strategic asset for financing infrastructure projects, advancing industrial development, and boosting national revenue. He underlined the need to establish domestic factories for mineral processing in order to expand employment opportunities and strengthen local industry.

According to Baradar, National Development Company has so far constructed more than 200 kilometers of standard gravel roads to facilitate extraction operations. The project has also involved the excavation of around 100 mining tunnels, directly creating over 2,000 jobs.

Balkhab mine produces an estimated 500,000 tons of coal annually. Beyond contributing to domestic energy supply, the operation is expected to help reduce poverty and strengthen national economy.

Baradar further stressed adherence to environmental standards and minimizing waste, assuring residents of Balkhab that coal would be sold locally at affordable prices. He also pledged expanded social services, including the construction of roads and hospitals.