As the U.S.-led Afghan campaign lurches into its second decade, the country’s vast untapped mineralogical resources are again emerging in the Western media, seemingly underpinning the benefits of International Security Assistance Force troops “staying the course” and defeating the insurgency, after which these resources can be tapped, both providing the administration of Afghan President Hamid Karzai with a source beyond drugs for reconstruction and Western companies who develop the reserves a handsome profit.
The latest discovery is that Afghanistan is rich in rare earth elements (RREs). China currently has a near monopoly on the global production of RREs, and the price for a ton of unprocessed ore has soared to a dizzying $100,000 a ton.
So, what’s wrong with this picture? Full article at: Afghanistan - Newly Discovered Mineralogical Treasure House (Again)
More benefits of having the worlds best military. Securing American interests globally. Just wait until Europe comes, hat in hand, asking for help.
but continue
you had my attention for a second there
Well, to be fair, the Soviets did mapping, but not the advanced analysis that we did. We DID use their initial information, but I think the advancements in technology really showed how lucrative the country is.
Whenever I think of finding untapped mineral wealth I think of this scene.
rare earths are not rare. it's just how much of the most toxic substances known to man you are willing to spew into your environment. china apparently is willing to go down that road to make a few more shekels.
and yes this rare earth trove in afghanistan trope has been around the 80s so this is not exactly news.
Oh, but that's ok! They're used to make hybrid cars! And hybrids are GOOD for the environment!
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