Officials from several iron smelting factories requested the Islamic Emirate allocate one of the iron mines to them.

They state that they currently meet the country's needs with smelted iron, which has posed challenges for them.

Industrialist Haji Gul Asadi said: “Our major problem is the lack of raw materials and insufficient electricity.”

Another industrialist, Rahimullah Mayar, stated: “We request the Minister of Mines and Petroleum to allocate part of the Haji Gak mine to us; within one to two years, we will convert from iron ore to sponge iron.”

 The Union of Iron Smelting Factories also notes that currently, 42 steel smelting plants are operational in the country, and over $500 million has been invested in this sector.

Abdul Nasir Rashtia, the executive head of the  Union of Iron Smelting Factories, said: “We have invested more than $500 million in the steel sector overall, and we have provided direct employment opportunities for 20,000 people.”

The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum stated that it will soon tender the iron mines in the Panjshir province, considering special privileges for local companies.

Homayoun Afghan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, said: “We have announced the Silver House Panjshir iron mine for bidding, and all traders can submit a solid proposal according to our principles and terms, and there is a possibility that based on the principles, the Panjshir mine might be allocated to them.”

 Khanjan Alkozai, a board member of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: “We hope that this mine will be given to the factories. If the factories operate in a unified manner, it requires significant investment. The capital of the traders must be considered; their bank accounts must be evaluated and then they will be shortlisted.”

According to information from the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, the ministry has allocated four iron mines in Herat province to foreign companies with local partners, valuing these mines at $5.57 billion.