Railroad Could Unlock Afghanistan’s Mineral Riches
Tapping into Afghanistan’s mineral riches of iron, copper, and rare earths, valued by the Pentagon at about $1 trillion — and $3 trillion by the Afghan government — would require building a multi-billion dollar rail network through the landlocked, mountainous country that is still home to armed militants.
Published Feb. 28, 2014
Note: Values reflect current mineral prices in 2009
1 – Afghanistan Geological Survey, Afghanistan Ministry of Mines estimates
Sources: U.S. Geological Survey, Afghanistan Geological Survey, Afghanistan Ministry of Mines
GRAPHIC: DAVE MERRILL / BLOOMBERG VISUAL DATA