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Research Guides

JSIS 495: Task Force - Winter 2015: Task Force F

This guide is for the students in JSIS 495 to help guide them in their research for their capstone projects.

Ancient Land, Modern Riches: Can Afghanistan's Mineral Wealth Build a New State?

Scott Montgomery TTh 1:30-3:20 SMI 111

Between 2005 and 2009, the United States Geological Survey performed remote sensing surveys of Afghanistan’s mineral resources. It found them to be much larger than previously thought. After analyzing this data, the U.S. Department of Defense Task Force for Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO), charged with helping rebuild the country, arrived at a total value for these resources of $908 billion. This figure places Afghanistan among the top 5 nations in the world by mineral wealth (only Canada, Australia, Russia, and South Africa are higher). Moreover, Afghanistan’s minerals are not only abundant, but uniquely diverse, including copper, iron, aluminum, gold, silver, zinc, lithium, plus a number of rare earth metals in high demand.

The country’s government views these resources as the basis for its economic future and thus social stability. Several contracts with companies from China and India have already been signed and mining rights awarded. However, the security situation remains highly uncertain. It is not clear if and when operations will begin. There are also major questions regarding levels of corruption; laws and regulations concerning use of government mining royalties; environmental rules and oversight; levels of employment and training for Afghan workers; role of the TFBSO with respect to non-U.S. mining companies; among others.

This Task Force will therefore seek to address such questions, among others, with regard to determining the outlook for economic development in Afghanistan based on mineral wealth. A primary goal will be to decide on the primary risks and uncertainties involved and how these might be addressed. On the basis of this work, as well as an evaluation of the TFBSO and its role, the Task Force will generate recommendations for U.S. policy regarding actions that would help Afghanistan develop its natural resources for the maximum betterment of its people.

Selected Books/eBooks and eMaps of Interest

Databases

Organizations/Agencies

Think Tanks

Need Help? Ask a Librarian!

Deepa Banerjee
South Asia Studies Librarian

dbaner@uw.edu

Matthew Parsons
Earth Sciences Librarian

parsonsm@uw.edu

Background Information

News Sources