Last solar year, the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum awarded three cement mining and production projects worth $450 million to domestic and international companies.

Homayoun Afghan, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, stated that these mines, located in the provinces of Parwan, Herat, and Kandahar, have been contracted with companies for 30 years.

The ministry emphasizes that with the start of practical work on cement extraction and production in these provinces, Afghanistan will achieve self-sufficiency in cement production.

Afghan told TOLOnews, "Last year, we contracted out three major cement mines, including the Jabal Saraj cement project in Parwan, which was acquired by a Qatari company with two Afghan companies for thirty years. The projects in Kandahar and Herat were also contracted with Afghan companies."

The spokesperson added that currently, two cement factories, Jabal Saraj in Parwan and Ghori in Baghlan, are operating in the country, but their production cannot meet the country's needs.

The Chamber of Commerce and Investment sees boosting the capacity for cement extraction and production as impactful for economic progress. The Chamber emphasizes that the necessary energy for mines and factories must be provided to increase the level of extraction and production.

Khanjan Alkozai, a board member of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, told TOLOnews, "This represents a very serious and sustainable revenue for a country."

Meanwhile, some economic experts say that if cement mines in the country are extracted, processed, and produced to standard, the economy will grow, and the construction sector will also experience significant prosperity.

Abdul Zuhor, an economic expert, said, "Afghanistan is one of the countries rich in natural resources, particularly in mines, including cement mines. If properly managed, processed, and extracted, it will help reduce costs in the construction sector."

According to information from the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, cement mines in the provinces of Logar, Samangan, and Jowzjan have reached the announcement stage, and many domestic and international companies have shown interest in extracting these mines.