Afghanistan
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EITI Status
EITI Status:
Candidate country
Candidate since
Candidate since:
10 February 2010
Webpage
Webpage:
Extractive Industries
Afghanistan has extensive mineral deposits and potential for oil and gas production. Due to conflict, political instability and inadequate infrastructure, the extractive industries are relatively under-developed. In recent years, the country has seen increasing investor interest in exploration and development.
Eiti Reporting
The country produces EITI Reports that disclose revenues from extraction of its natural resources. Companies disclose what they have paid in taxes and other payments and the government discloses what it has received. These two sets of figures are compared and reconciled
The second EITI Report covering the Solar Hejri calendar year 1389 (21 March 2010 – 20 March 2011) was publihsed in October 2012. Scoping for the 1390 report has not yet commenced.
EITI Implementation
Afghanistan announced its intent to implement the EITI in March 2009, and became an EITI Candidate country 10 February 2010. While there were some delays in implementing the agreed work-plan, the first EITI report was published on 1 August 2012 covering two years of data (the Solar Hejri calendar years 1387 and 1388, 21 March 2008 – 20 March 2010). The Second EITI Report covering 1389 (21 March 2010 – 20 March 2011) was published on 13 October 2012.
On 10 April, the EITI Board finalised its assessment of the Validation Report from Afghanistan and concluded that Afghanistan had made meaningful progress in implementing the EITI. The EITI Board decided that Afghanistan will retain its status as a Candidate country for another 18 months by the end of which it must complete the remedial actions requested by the Board and demonstrate Compliance with the EITI Requirements.
Innovations
With the expected increase of revenues, it is significant that the government has committed to publish all mining, oil and gas contracts. Over 200 contracts have been published, including the Amu Darya oil, the Qara Zaghan gold and the West Garmak coal contracts. This does not yet include the contract relating to the Aynak copper mine. Another large contract is expected to be signed shortly in relation to the huge Hajigak iron ore project. Disclosure of social payments is also being discussed by the MSG.