Continuing efforts toward economic self-reliance, oil exploration has begun in Balkh province.
In the Afghan-Tajik oil zone near Hairatan Do-Rahi, a new survey and exploration project has started at the Mohammad Jan oil block, operated by an Uzbek company.
Officials from the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum state that the Afghan-Tajik oil zone in Balkh province includes the Mohammad Jan, Ahmad Abad, and Shamr oil blocks, covering a total area of 7,617 square kilometers.
Survey and exploration work over approximately 1,000 square kilometers in these three areas is planned for the next year to locate oil and gas resources.
Abdul Khalil, Head of Hydrocarbon Survey Affairs at the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, said:
“The Ahmad Abad block covers about 1,855 km², the Mohammad Jan block covers 3,608 km², and the Shamr block spans 2,154 km². The combined area of these three blocks is 7,617 km².”
Representatives of the Uzbek contracting company said that, under a memorandum of understanding with Afghan authorities, their cooperation will include oil and gas surveys, geophysical studies, transfer of technical skills, extraction of resources, and providing employment opportunities for local communities.
Khit Bay Amanov, an official from the Uzbek company, stated:
“Uzbekistan is ready to contribute further to strengthening Afghanistan’s economy. Today’s opening of surveys in the Afghan-Tajik oil zone is an example of the good relations and strong neighborly ties between our countries. This cooperation will further expand relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.”
Islamic Emirate officials emphasized the importance of strong bilateral relations and assured the expansion of economic cooperation in various sectors.
Homayoun Afghan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, said:
“Afghanistan offers opportunities, security, rich reserves, and an economy-focused policy by the Islamic Emirate. We invite all countries, companies, and investors to come and invest in Afghanistan’s mineral resources.”
Nooralhadi Abu Idris, Deputy Governor of Balkh, added:
“You can proceed with your work with full confidence. Your security and needs will be fully provided.”
The Afghan-Tajik oil zone is a large geological structure stretching across several northern provinces. According to the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, the Afghan-Tajik oil zone covers about 57,000 square kilometers and includes 11 oil blocks, which can play a significant role in Afghanistan’s economic development.
