(Last Updated On: January 28, 2021) The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has raised concerns about illegal mining being carried out by the Taliban and powerful figures across the country. Ministry officials said Taliban and other insurgents are illegally extracting minerals from more than 750 locations. “The Taliban are currently mining in 750 areas. This group is using the money [made from] mining against the government,” said Mohammad Haroon Chakhansuri, Minister of Mines and Petroleum. Chakhansuri meanwhile also stated that the legal and technical work around the contract for Mes Aynak copper mine in Logar has been completed and the Chinese company involved will prepare for negotiations.