CHARIKAR - Mines and Petroleum Minister Daud Shah Saba on Saturday said 100 million Afghanis had been set aside to revive the Jabalus Siraj Cement Factory in central Parwan province.
During a visit to Parwan, Saba said his ministry would start developing small mines in the province and the 100 million Afghanis on the factory’s rehabilitation would be spent from the mines ministry’s budget.
The Jabalus Siraj Cement Factory was established in 1958 and it was the first cement factory in Afghanistan, which had been operational until 1978, but gradually declined production and finally closed in 2004 due to power shortage and other issues.
Saba also said in the coming three months, small natural reservoirs would be developed in Parwan in coordination with local officials and provincial council members.
Ghulam Bahauddin Jilani, head of the provincial council, welcomed Saba’s plans for the province. He said local representatives were ready to play their role in attracting foreign investment in exploitation of Parwan natural riches.
According to Saba, the excavation process of chromite in Kohi-Safi district would be carried out by Hiwadwal Company.
Fifteen kinds of mineral deposits exist in Parwan. Four mines of plumbumb, zinc and coal exist in Syagard district and four reservoirs of copper, iron, chromite and other precious stones are available in Surkh Parsa district. (Pajhwok)