The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has announced it has curtailed the mafia's influence in the oil sector and is now working to prevent their access to the country’s salt mines.

During the tender opening for three salt mine blocks in Faryab, acting Minister Shahabuddin Delawar criticized salt traders, urging them to act with integrity.

According to him, the ministry seriously considers national interests in the country's mining contracts.

"I do not consider anyone in national interests. These mines are the national interests of Afghanistan, and men, women, children, Shias, Sunnis, Hindus, and everyone are partners in them,” said Shahabuddin Delawar.

The acting Minister of Mines and Petroleum also mentioned that a significant portion of the country’s budget is funded through its mines, and that last year, the ministry contributed more than 17 billion afghani to the treasury of the Islamic Emirate.

“Every year that we have high revenues, we allocate a significant percentage. Although revenues fluctuate, a large portion comes from these mines, and in addition, we have transparent customs revenues,” he said. 
Delawar also added that the number of military and civilian employees of the Islamic Emirate has seen a substantial increase compared to the Republic era, and all their needs are met through mining revenues and other domestic incomes.

“Our security agencies have surpassed the previous regime; we fund these agencies from our budget, whereas the Americans were providing three and a half billion dollars for their funding,” the acting Minister of Mines and Petroleum added.

The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum also held tenders for nine different projects in the Qashqari block of the Amu Darya oil zone among domestic companies.