FT: Afghanistan pitches US on trillion-dollar mineral wealth

Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities are seeking to attract US investment by offering access to the country’s vast mineral resources, as Kabul presses the Trump administration to ease sanctions and release billions of dollars in frozen Afghan assets.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said Afghanistan would “absolutely” welcome US investment in mining, infrastructure, agriculture and trade.

“Relations between Afghanistan and the United States should not be assessed through the lens of the past 20 years of war, but rather on the basis of future co-operation,” Muttaqi told the FT in his Kabul office. “Our economic policy is open.”

Muttaqi did not say whether the proposal had been communicated directly to the White House.

US and Western-backed Afghan geological surveys estimate that Afghanistan has at least $1 trillion in mineral resources, including major deposits of copper, iron ore, niobium, cobalt, gold and lithium. Much of the country’s mineral wealth remains undeveloped after decades of conflict.

Since returning to power in 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led NATO forces, the Taliban has announced more than $7 billion in mining investments involving countries including China and Iran, covering resources such as gold, gemstones and chromite.

However, Afghanistan remains one of the world’s poorest countries, with more than 14 million people — roughly one-third of the population — facing acute hunger, according to the report.

The Taliban’s human rights record also remains a major obstacle to broader international engagement. The group has imposed severe restrictions on women and girls, including on education, employment and participation in public life.

Despite this, Kabul has gradually emerged from diplomatic isolation, establishing or expanding contacts with countries including China, India, Iran, Qatar and several Central Asian states. Russia recognised the Taliban government last year and signed a military cooperation agreement with Kabul in May.

The Taliban is also seeking the release of frozen Afghan reserves. Afghanistan’s central bank estimates that $9.5 billion in reserves remain outside the country, including about $7 billion in the United States.

“No individual, government or institution should use the assets of the Afghan people as a tool of political pressure,” Muttaqi said, adding that Kabul was discussing the frozen funds with relevant governments.

Washington, however, has shown limited interest in closer ties with the Taliban. President Donald Trump has proposed restoring US control over Bagram Air Base, a move rejected by Kabul.

“All military and civilian facilities in Afghanistan, including Bagram, are national assets of Afghanistan,” Muttaqi said.

He nevertheless urged Washington to reopen the US Embassy in Kabul, saying the Taliban had “ensured its security . . . rebuilt the road and planted new trees”.

“The area now looks very vibrant and attractive,” he said.

By Vafa Guliyeva