US Engagement with Taliban Mining Initiative Raises Significant Geopolitical Risks

Afghanistan is believed to possess mineral wealth exceeding one trillion US dollars, including substantial deposits of copper, lithium, gold, iron ore, rare earth elements, coal, and gemstones. Despite being among the world’s poorest and most conflict‑affected countries, the nation’s subsurface resources remain largely untapped. Five years after regaining control, the Taliban are seeking to leverage this geological bounty as a diplomatic and economic bargaining chip with the United States.

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