Coal Resources: From Golden Opportunities to an Unfinished Fate
By: Nik Mohammad Nikmal
Coal, or black stone, has been one of humanity’s key sources of energy since the dawn of civilization. This natural deposit, millions of years old, laid the foundation for the Industrial Revolution. Afghanistan, too, is blessed with this “black gold,” but its full potential remains untapped. If, with the advent of advanced technologies, these deposits are ignored, this wealth will be lost, and humanity will be deprived of a historic blessing.
Major Coal Mines in Afghanistan:
- Darah-e-Suf (Samangan):
The largest and richest mine, supplying coal to many parts of Afghanistan. Its coal is of high quality and widely used for heating. - Ashposhta (Bamiyan):
Another major coal mine located in Bamiyan province. The area has rich deposits, but extraction is mostly traditional and unprofessional. - Anji (Balkh):
A well-known coal deposit where illegal extraction in recent years has raised concerns. - Kishm (Badakhshan):
One of the newly discovered mines, not yet industrially extracted.
Economic and Social Value:
- Coal mines can provide a stable source of income for Afghanistan.
- They create job opportunities, especially for rural communities.
- They are a crucial step toward energy self-sufficiency, as Afghanistan still imports much of its energy.
The Need for Readiness in Adopting New Technologies:
As the world advances, alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear power are replacing coal. If we fail to make proper use of our resources today, this wealth will:
- Lose value in the global market;
- Face extraction bans due to environmental laws;
- Be wasted due to instability and unprofessional mining.
My greatest concern is that if we do not focus on our coal reserves today, tomorrow they will have neither a market, nor value, nor the possibility of extraction.
The Risk of Loss:
Coal is formed through a process involving time, pressure, and heat over millions of years. Once lost, it is impossible to recover. From the time of Adam until now, this resource has been nature’s gift to humanity, but losing it tomorrow would be a sign of our ignorance and negligence.
Key Actions Needed:
- State and professional management of the mines.
- Prioritising the construction of domestic thermal power plants.
- Observing environmental protection laws.
- Raising public awareness on how to preserve and utilise this wealth.
Final Note:
Coal is a hidden treasure beneath our feet. If we do not extract it today, its doors will close on us tomorrow. It is a trust we must pass from our generation to the next — let us turn this trust into prosperity, not let it sink into decline.
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If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our journalism and sustains our future. Support the Dawat Media Center from as little as $/€10 – it only takes a minute. If you can, please consider supporting us with a regular amount each month. Thank you
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