The struggle to control the extraction of talc and other minerals, such as chromite, has been exposed in a new report by Global Witness. The campaign group has spent months investigating how the murky trade means western consumers are effectively supporting insurgents in the country. “This report shows the insidious way in which insurgents have become involved in talc mining and the threat of groups like Isis becoming more involved,” said Donovan. Photograph: Courtesy of Global WitnessSeveral sources interviewed for the report said significant mining has taken place under Isis since they took control. “The Islamic State appears to have a significant strategic interest in Afghanistan’s minerals and controls some major mining areas,” said Donovan.

Source: The Guardian May 23, 2018 13:03 UTC