Afghanistan has achieved self-sufficiency in salt production, the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has announced, after 12 salt extraction projects became operational across five provinces with a combined investment of $80 million.
According to ministry officials, the projects are located in Takhar, Samangan, Ghor, Faryab and Herat provinces and have created around 5,400 direct and indirect jobs.
Expanding mining activity and awarding extraction projects to private companies are part of the Islamic Emirate's policy to reduce reliance on imports and raise domestic revenue.