In brief
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum signed a $275 million agreement with Azizi Group to explore and extract natural gas in the Jungal Kalan region of Jawzjan province. The 30‑year contract covers over 3,000 square kilometres and is projected to create more than 2,000 jobs and supply 1,000 MW of electricity. The deal forms part of the government’s push to mobilise the country’s mineral resources for economic growth.
On Saturday, the Afghan Ministry of Mines and Petroleum announced a $275 million contract with the domestic Azizi Group to explore and extract natural gas in northern Jawzjan province.
The agreement, received in Kabul on November 4, sets a 30‑year partnership that will focus on the Jungal‑Kalan area within the Amu Darya basin, covering an expanse of more than 3,000 square kilometres.
According to the Ministry, the project is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs during its implementation phase, primarily for communities in the Jungal‑Kalan region.
When operational, the venture could contribute up to 1,000 MW of electricity to Afghanistan’s grid, a figure highlighted by Minister of Mines and Petroleum Mullah Hedayatullah Badri during the signing ceremony.
The government has pursued a series of agreements with domestic and international groups to unlock the country’s mineral, oil and gas prospects, aiming to boost energy security and foster wider economic growth.
Azizi Group, a locally based company, will carry out the exploration and extraction tasks under the contract, while the Ministry will oversee regulatory compliance and share oversight responsibilities.
Local officials said the partnership will offer a measurable improvement to the province’s infrastructure, as additional drilling infrastructure and power‑generation sites are erected.
The news report did not mention any potential risks or uncertainties related to the deal, leaving open questions about the project’s timeline and technical challenges.