Munich, Kabul, February 2nd, 2012 -- GAF has established in Kabul a training centre and an attached demonstration mine to support the training of mines inspectors of the Ministry of Mines in Afghanistan. The newly constructed mock-underground mine sets the realistic stage to train and exercise international best practice. A one-year curriculum for mining inspectors has been developed covering theoretical and practical training for a full suite of topics including underground and open pit mining, ventilation, drilling, explosives, energy techniques, transportation, mining health & safety and environmental protection. Two groups of trainees from the Ministry currently receive training.

The inspectors training is part of the capacity building and know-how transfer project ongoing since 2008 where GAF is supporting the set-up and implementation of 2 departments in the Ministry of Mines - the mines inspectorate and the mining cadastre. A dedicated team consisting of senior mining, environmental and mechanical engineers as well as GIS- and IT-experts is on-site to transfer know-how and to consult.

Afghanistan has a huge potential of mineral and energy resources which is still to a large extent unexploited. The development of the extractive industries sector has been identified as the single most important lever to develop the economy, create employment and raise government revenues. As major national and international investments and operations are about to start the capacity of the government to promote and regulate the natural resources sector becomes paramount. By improving governance the mines inspectorate and cadastre will play a crucial role for Afghanistan on its way to development, towards attracting investors and fighting poverty. 

The GAF performed capacity building project with regards to cadastre, inspectorate, audit and licensing functions within the Ministry of Mines, Afghanistan is funded by the World Bank -  International Development Association under the “Sustainable Development of Natural Resources (SDNRP) Programme”.

About GAF AG – Germany

GAF AG, an e-GEOS, Telespazio Company, is globally active and has an international reputation as a competent provider of project design and implementation services in the fields of geo-information, satellite remote sensing, capacity building and management consultancy to private and public clients. Within the past 27 years, GAF has been active in more than 100 countries throughout Europe, Africa, South-America and Asia. More on GAF: www.gaf.de

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