[JustTheNews] Chinese state media says the Taliban is pushing for China to mine in Afghanistan, but claims efforts are stalled because the United States is "aggravating the economic collapse."The Taliban is pushing China to mine in Afghanistan, according to The Global Times, a Chinese state-controlled media outlet.
Afghanistan is home to an estimated $1 trillion to $3 trillion worth of rare earth metals. China is home to about two-thirds of rare earths, and the communist country already provides more than 85% of rare metals and minerals globally, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
The Global Times touted the most recent development in an article Thursday titled "Chinese firm's copper mine project in Afghanistan hasn't started, despite Taliban's push."
Work on the copper mine has been reportedly stalled for years due to issues surrounding Afghanistan's security.
Taliban officials are hoping that work will resume quickly on the mine, which is expected to be the second-largest copper mine in the world.
The Global Times blamed the United States for the "severe challenges" facing the jihadist-controlled nation.
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