It is estimated that China will extract 200,000 tons of copper
and provide Afghan government with up to $400 million in annual
revenues. A group of Afghan French archaeologists who recently
uncovered more than 100 statues, stupas, and a 5 metre long
reclining Buddha among other relics have raised concern saying
though the plan to blow up the monastery in last April was
stalled, the proposition remains. Chinese have started building
a railroad, housing, and a power plant nearby, in preparation
for mining. Archaeologists are hoping to draw international
support to save the historical site which will provide new
information about how Buddhism flourished in the region and
coexisted with Islam during one era. “The monastery flourished
from as early as the 2nd century BC until at least the 6th
century AD although it may have continued as a settlement until
as late as the 9th century AD” said Phillipe Marquis, head of
the French Archaeologists’ team in Afghanistan. He proposed a
view saying “copper mining and the mo