Ancient Buddhist city in Afghanistan threatened by plans for Chinese copper mine

The ancient Buddhist city of Mes Aynak, near the Afghan capital Kabul, is at risk of disappearing after the discovery of what’s believed to be one of the world’s largest copper deposits near the city. The Taliban has partnered with the Chinese mining giant Metallurgical Group Corporation, to start mining copper from the site that’s expected to generate US$300 million a year for the cash-strapped regime. The country has been on the brink of economic collapse since international aid and foreign-held Afghan government reserves were frozen when the Taliban seized control in August 2021. But fears are growing that the place once considered one of the most prosperous trade hubs along the Silk Road could completely vanish if the copper mine project goes ahead.