Afghanistan To Tender Further Copper Deposits In 2011-Minister

LONDON, Jun 25, 2010 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- Afghanistan's mining minister said Friday the country will tender further copper deposits next year along with the 1.8 billion to 2 billion-metric-ton Hajigak iron ore project.

Mining and Natural Resources Minister Wahidullah Shahrani said the ministry will put up for tender the northern part of the Aynak copper deposit, part of which was already awarded in 2008 to Chinese mining company China Metallurgical Group Corp., and also the Balkap copper deposit.

Shahrani is in London meeting potential investors for the Hajigak project, which is the main focus for the ministry.