The British Ambassador to Kabul Domenic Jermey on Monday said the minerals of this country belong to the Afghan people and it the responsibility of government to develop the sector on behalf of the people.

Speaking at the opening of a new geological center in Kabul, Jermey said the minerals should be extracted by government and used to help stabilize the country.  

At least 300,000 pounds ($373,000 USD) has been invested in the laboratory.

“Minerals in this country and the wealth of this country belong to the people of Afghanistan and they belong to the government of Afghanistan to develop its minerals on behalf of the people and that is why today am delighted to be here at the opening this laboratory which will help the government of Afghanistan,” the ambassador said.

Meanwhile, the deputy minister of mines Ahmad Jawed Sadat said the laboratory is a much needed facility for geological surveys in the country.

“More than 30 types of tests can be done at the laboratory. It is very important for us. It can be moved to areas which we will need,” Sadat said.

A number of staff at the laboratory said the lack of capacity to use machines at the center is their main problem.

“I think this is the first time such machines have been in the country. They are highly technical therefore we need more training in order to use them better,” Murtaza, an employee at the laboratory said.