KABUL - Illegal mining activity in Afghanistan has scaled a new height with the recent revelation made by the Afghan Ministry of Mines (MoM) on Tuesday. The MoM said that nearly 1,400 small and large mines in the country are being extracted by powerful figures illegally. The Ministry added that illegal mining by the powerful figures has been going on for years and so far, no measures have been taken to put a check on it.

The Ministry said that the armed opposition and terrorist groups are getting benefitted from the money earned through illegal mining activities, which in turn is creating a serious security threat for the country.

The ministry added that besides a number of circles both from within and outside the government several police officials are also involved in the illegal mining scam.

"Among the 1,400 mines, 700 of them located in Kabul and rest 700 are located in several provinces. Our officials went to these areas and interviewed the residents and workers; where they found that several powerful figures are involved in the crime," Senior Advisor at the Ministry of Mines, Asad Zamir told TOLOnews.

Meanwhile, the Ministry pointed out that they had handed over a list of suspected offenders to the security institutions three months ago, so that they could carry out the investigations and punish the offenders.

"Three months ago we had sent a list of suspects involved in illegal mining activities to the security institutions. Illegal mining activity is worsening the security situation of the country and the security officials have failed to nab the culprits. Illegal mining activities should be stopped immediately," Mr. Zamir added.

Responding to Mr. Zamir's comment, the Interior Ministry Spokesman, Sadiq Siddiqi said, "Based on the information we received, the police has already begun its investigation. Soon, the culprits will be behind bars."

Previously, the head of audit at the MoM, accused a number of MPs, Senates and local officials of carrying out illegal mining activity, but Mr. Zamir termed all the allegations "baseless."

Experts feel that once the new Law on Mines is approved the illegal mining activities will reduce and the economy will start recovering. Several investors are awaiting the approval of the Law on Mines so that they can carry out their business activities.

In countries where the government is weak and the economy runs on donor's money, if such illegal activities are carried out then the economy gets badly affected. (Tolo news)