This Law provides for the ownership, control, prospecting, exploration, exploitation, processing, transformation, transportation, marketing, sale and export of mineral substances in the territory of Afghanistan.
The Law states that all mineral substances under the territory of Afghanistan or in its water courses are the exclusive property of the State. Mineral activities may be conducted by the State or by any person possessing a Mineral Right granted by the Ministry of Mines and Industries. The Law contains a number of important provisions which include: the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee to regulate the tenders of mineral rights, of a Mining Cadastre, of a Mining Inspectorate, of an Environmental Protection Department, and of a Geological Survey; the classification of mineral deposits, prohibited areas and restricted substances; procedures to obtain licences and authorizations for the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources; the submission of Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Management Plans for the protection of the environment during exploitation; dispute settlement.