Taliban announce start of survey for Afghan-Tajik oil field in northern Afghanistan

The Taliban Ministry of Mines and Petroleum announced that a seismic survey of the Afghan-Tajik oil field in northern Afghanistan has begun, conducted by an Uzbek company.

The survey covers three blocks in Balkh province: Mohammad Jan (or Mohammadjangar), Ahmadabad, and Shamr, with a total area of 7,617 square kilometers. Ministry spokesman Humaun Afghan stated during a meeting in Mazar-i-Sharif that the free 2D seismic survey, based on a memorandum of understanding with the Uzbek company O'zbekgeosiz, demonstrates strong bilateral relations, Uzbekistan's goodwill, good neighborliness, and the ministry's effective management.

Afghan said Afghanistan possesses vast mineral reserves and is committed to programs that will turn these into sustainable development. Abdul Khaliq Hanafi, head of the ministry's hydrocarbon surveys, described the Afghan-Tajik field as one of the largest confirmed oil fields in the north, noting it comprises 11 blocks, with only these three under survey.

Khithbay Amonov, head of the Uzbek company, expressed readiness for joint work with Afghans, emphasizing continued comprehensive cooperation alongside good neighborly principles. The ministry's statement highlighted the project's significance in a major established oil basin.

Hasht-e Subh reported that the Taliban have initiated extraction of various major mines over the past four years, while some citizens claim the group lacks domestic and international legitimacy, rendering such extractions illegal.