USGS launch new initiative to explore mineral resources in Afghanistan

The Pentagon and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) on Tuesday launched a new initiative to help Afghans better explore their mineral resources.The Pentagon's Task Force for Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO), in partnership with the USGS, will provide training and equipment specific to airborne geophysical exploration to the Afghan Geological Survey, the Pentagon said in a statement."This initiative is part of the U.S. Government's continuing efforts to help the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan identify and develop its vast deposits of mineral resources in a transparent and responsible fashion," the Pentagon said.A key component of the new effort is to train Afghan geoscientists in collecting, processing and interpreting high- resolution geophysical data themselves."By working with the Afghan Geological Survey on an airborne geophysical exploration program, we are taking an important step in preparing the Afghan government to conduct their own mineral exploration efforts," said Emily Scott, director of natural resource development for the TFBSO. "The goal of this training is to enable the Afghan government to give the best information possible to international investors."The Pentagon has already worked extensively with the USGS to develop an ongoing survey of mineral resources and rare earth elements in Afghanistan.The Pentagon announced last year that Afghanistan could become one of the world's leading sources of mineral wealth, as an estimated 1 trillion dollars of untapped mineral deposits have been discovered in the country.The mineral deposits, including gold, cobalt, iron ore, copper, aluminum, silver, molybdenum and lithium -- used in cell phone batteries -- are spread throughout the country, especially in the battle-scarred border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.Exploration of natural resources and its utilization would enable Afghans to be no longer dependent on international community and rather help them to stand on their feet.Still, analysts said that robust development of the mining industry is unlikely to occur until the security situation is under control.