Extensive research by the U.S. Geological Survey, the Afghan
Geological Survey, and the Department of Defense has yielded
volumes of information about areas of high mineral potential in
Afghanistan, including rare earth elements, gold, iron, and
copper. This research will be used by the Afghan Government as
they consider developing these minerals resources. Many of these
Afghan mineral priority areas, including the rare-earth rich
Khanneshin, are world-class resources that could lead to
significant commercial development. This research comes from a
2009-2011 USGS study funded by the DOD Task Force for Business
and Stability Operations (TFBSO). "The USGS is exceptionally
pleased by the contribution we have been able to make to future
development of Afghanistan's world-class mineral resources, made
possible through the application of modern remote-sensing
tools," said USGS Director Marcia McNutt. "There is always
increased risk for commercial ventures investing in new mining
facilities in frontier areas such as