Establishment of cadaster, inspectorate, audit and licensing functions in the Ministry of Mines

The objective of this Project has been to strengthen the institutional capacity within the Ministry of Mines (MoM) to administer, promote and regulate the mining sector in Afghanistan. The three main principal objectives of this project were:

• The setting-up and operation of a new mining cadastral organisation and implementation of a new computerised cadastre and tenement system
• The setting-up of a Mines Inspectorate and Audit capacity and
• Support to the artisanal and small scale mining (ASM) department within MoM

The following services were provided within the framework of the project:

Part 1: Cadastre Department

• Elaboration of the cadastre procedures and complete organization of the cadastre department, implementation of methodology and cadastral procedures in agreement with laws and regulations.
• Establishing the computerized mining cadaster system and providing support for its operation, design and implementation of a specific website for the cadaster.

Part 2: Mines Inspectorate and Audit Capacity

• Development of assessment strategies for execution of monitoring and audits of extraction industry
• Training in the technical and economic evaluation of pre-feasibility and bankable feasibility studies
• Conduct audits of exploration and mineral production sites
• Assistance to the Ministry in preparing cases for remedial action/prosecution under the Minerals Laws
• Training staff to carry out project review and audit functions without external assistance
• Preparation of inspection and audit guide manuals with appropriate industry benchmarks

Part 3: Artisanal and Small Scale Mining (ASM)

• Preparing the MoM staff to formalise (or regularize) the ASM sector
• Train trainers within MoM in the proper use and maintenance of relevant mining equipment; use of explosives; good health and safety practices; basic surveying; and appropriate mine management. mine equipment; and improved mining methods
• Develop a training facility at Khayr Khana, including the building of ‘mock’ mine shafts, tunnels and extraction areas

The Khair Khana Training Centre is now well established and has the capacity to train groups of 30 inspection trainees at a time. A ‘mock mine’ facility has been established that will enhance the ‘hands-on’ training for future trainee. It is a unique opportunity to acquire both theoretical and, to some degree, practical work related training. The success of the Inspection/ASM Training project has increased the understanding and technical knowledge of the participants. Those who have successfully completed the training courses, represent the most qualified technical staff in the MoM.

The development of the computerized cadaster allows capturing all mineral tenures inluding both spatial and alphanumeric data. The system support the Department of Cadaster (DoC) through a variety of documents and forms in English and Dari language. The documentation of the licensing procedures in combination with the required standard forms was successfully completed to clear the way forward for establishing the key business processes within the DoC.