The Aynak mine is a world class mining deposit – it is estimated to be the second largest copper deposit in the world. In 2008, the government of Afghanistan signed a 30-year lease with a Chinese state-backed consortium to mine the Aynak concession in exchange for a USD $3 billion investment deal. The consortium estimates the deposit contains USD $88-100 billion worth of copper with a production capacity of 250,000 tons annually.
Afghanistan is making significant investments to unlock the development potential of its natural resources in order to connect and integrate these natural assets. The potential benefits of these investments are significant: the Aynak mine alone could generate up to $ 390 million yearly for the State - approximately 47% of the national budget. The World Bank estimates that job creation could include 4,500 direct and 7,600 indirect jobs, in addition to 62,500 induced jobs. The investment includes a US$500m power plant, roads and the construction of a railway from Tajikistan to Pakistan.
Afghanistan is making significant investments to unlock the development potential of its natural resources in order to connect and integrate these natural assets. The potential benefits of these investments are significant: the Aynak mine alone could generate up to $ 390 million yearly for the State - approximately 47% of the national budget. The World Bank estimates that job creation could include 4,500 direct and 7,600 indirect jobs, in addition to 62,500 induced jobs. The investment includes a US$500m power plant, roads and the construction of a railway from Tajikistan to Pakistan.