KABUL, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan has operated large and small-scale mining projects, providing thousands of jobs to local people, the office of the acting deputy prime minister for economic affairs announced on Saturday.
According to the office, 29 large and 175 small-scale mines were being extracted.
Approximately 170,000 Afghans are engaged in the mining sector. The mining industry plays a significant role in the country's economic activities, creating jobs and revenues, according to the source.
Afghanistan, known for its rich reserves of natural resources, has expanded efforts to regulate and utilize its mineral wealth in recent years. ■
