USAID MINING INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT FOR …pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00MM7K.pdfUSAID MINING INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT FOR AFGHAN SUSTAINABILITY (MIDAS) MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT

USAID MINING INVESTMENT AND

DEVELOPMENT FOR AFGHAN

SUSTAINABILITY (MIDAS) MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT – JUNE 2015

5 JULY 2015

This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It

was prepared by ECC Water & Power LLC.

MIDAS Geologists gathered GPS coordinates at Barite site in Herat

MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT (June 2015) 1

Contract Information

Project Title Mining Investment and Development for Afghan Sustainability

(MIDAS)

USAID Contract Number AID-306-TO-13-00003

Contracting Officer’s Representative

(COR) Khalid Ludin

Contracting Officer Greg Wang

MIDAS Overview

The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Afghanistan country strategy

includes development of sustainable economy and infrastructure in Afghanistan. USAID’s Office of

Economic Growth and Infrastructure launched the Mining Investment and Development for Afghan

Sustainability program on 31 March 2013. Its mission is to support the government of Afghanistan to

strengthen the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum and relevant private sector entities to exploit Afghanistan’s wealth of natural resources, in line with international standards.

DISCLAIMER

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for

International Development or the United States Government.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents .............................................................................................................. 2

List of Acronyms ............................................................................................................... 3

Executive Summary .......................................................................................................... 4

COMPONENT I: LEGAL AND REGULATORY REFORM ........................................... 5

COMPONENT II: CAPACITY BUILDING AND MINERAL

EXPLORATION ................................................................................................................ 6

COMPONENT III: MINING-RELATED ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT ................. 10

PLANS FOR NEXT MONTH ........................................................................................ 12

PROJECT ADMINISTRATION ..................................................................................... 13


LIST OF ACRONYMS

ACOR Alternate Contracting Officer’s Representative

AGS Afghanistan Geological Survey

AMEI Afghanistan Mining Enterprise Initiative

ANDS Afghanistan National Development Strategy

APPF Afghan Public Protection Force

ARCP Afghanistan Resource Corridor Project

ASI Adam Smith International

CBAGS II Capacity Building of AGS II (component of WB SDNRP)

CDA Community Development Agreement

CCN Cooperating Country National

CO Contracting Officer

COP Chief of Party

COR Contracting Officer’s Representative

CPFF Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Contract

DFID Department for International Development (UK Government)

EGGI Economic Growth and Governance Initiative

EI Extractive Industry

E-WP ECC Water & Power LLC

ESSP Extractives Sector Support Program

GFE Government Furnished Equipment

GPS Global Positioning System

GIRoA Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

GIS Geographical Information System

GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit

MAC MIDAS, ASI, and CBAGS II (donor coordination committee)

MIDAS Mining Investment and Development for Afghan Sustainability

MoMP Ministry of Mines and Petroleum (formerly Ministry of Mines)

MOWA Ministry of Women Affairs

NAPWA National Action Plan for Women in Afghanistan

NDS National Directorate of Security

OAA USAID/Afghanistan Office of Acquisition and Assistance

OEGI USAID/Afghanistan Office of Economic Growth and Infrastructure

PLSO Partner Liaison Security Office

PPP Public Private Partnership

SDNRP Sustainable Development of Natural Resources Project (WB)

SRK ES SRK Exploration Services

SME Small and Medium-sized Enterprise

STTA Short-Term Technical Advisor

TAFA Trade Access and Facilitation for Afghanistan

TAMoMP Technical Assistance for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum (DFID-funded/ASI project)

TCN Third-Country National

TFBSO Task Force for Business and Stability Operations

TI Training Institute

T-VET Technical and Vocational Education and Training

TO Task Order

USAID United States Agency for International Development

USGS United States Geological Survey

USN United States National

WB World Bank


This report summarizes project activities and accomplishments under the USAID Mining Investment and

Development for Afghan Sustainability (MIDAS) Project for June 1-30, 2015. The Monthly Report for

July is due on August 5, 2015.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Herat Reconnaissance Trip for Completed. A week-long trip to Herat Province was completed to

examine three potential mineral deposits including Sangilyan Barite, Char Olang Gypsum, and a

limestone outcrop near the Herat airport. The mission was undertaken by AGS and MIDAS geologists

to identify new exploration targets. The work was done taking in account the new geographical and

commodity priorities of the MoMP Minister. Barite, a mineral composed of barium sulphate (BaS04), is

in high demand for the oil and gas exploration industry worldwide, with China and India leading in

production. In fact, a majority of the Barite sold worldwide is used for this purpose alone. Used as a

weighing agent when drilling for natural gas and oil, Barite allows drill bits to adjust to the pressure of

different rock formations and prevents blowouts. Thus, drill bits last longer and drill holes can be

completed faster. In Afghanistan, the benefits of Barite could be far reaching. The nation’s natural

resource development is in its nascency consisting mostly of drilling exploration for minerals, oil, or gas.

At an international market rate of $109-$160 per ton, Barite could extracted for export or used to

improve native production of oil and gas. Thus, the prospect could attract strong interest in both foreign

and domestic investment.

Initial Draft of Contract Oversight Regulation Completed. MIDAS advisors, working closely

with the MoMP Legal Directorate, prepared an initial draft of a regulation on bidding and contract

oversight. The regulation will specify procedures for conducting tenders and bidding in a more clear, fair

and transparent way.

Contract Review Exercise. While on the MIDAS-organized US study tour, the Minister of Mines and

Petroleum reached an agreement with Columbia University’s Law School to review current mining

contracts and to improve the way the ministry writes and negotiates contracts. A working review of

contracts will be conducted in the coming months. The initial focus will be on the Aynak copper

contract between MCC, a state-owned Chinese firm, and the MoMP.

Mineral Sector Development Directorate (MSDD) Restructured. As a result of the new MoMP

organizational structure, the MSDD was renamed to the Investment Promotion and Marketing

Directorate (IPMD) and the structure of the department was analyzed. MIDAS advisors were asked to

create new job descriptions for each position within the directorate as well as write a rationale behind

the creation of the directorate.

Afghan Mining Enterprise Initiative (AMEI) Training on Budgeting and Accounting. Two

training sessions for the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of the AMEI were conducted on

basic budgeting and accounting. The basic accounting course focuses on internal auditing, basic

accounting principles and the importance of strong financial controls. If firms are going to partner with

international firms, they need to have auditable and industry standard financial tracking to demonstrate

their efficiency. Most firms lack such a financial infrastructure. The second training was held on budgeting

and included budget planning, execution, and development. Knowing these details can help the AMEI

firms prioritize their activities and meet their goals without overspending.

Donor Coordination. MIDAS advisors regularly met with the British Geological Survey, DfID, IPMD

to resolve outstanding issues. A MIDAS advisor attended the monthly Natural Resources Monitoring

Network (NRMN) meeting.


COMPONENT I: LEGAL AND REGULATORY REFORM

Contract Review Exercise. While on the MIDAS-organized US study tour, the Minister of Mines and

Petroleum met with Columbia University’s Law School as well as the US Department of Commerce to

discuss the need for a comprehensive and transparent review of current and pending mining contracts, as well as methods for how the ministry can improve the way it writes and negotiates contracts.

A working review of contracts will be conducted in the coming months. The initial focus will be on the

Aynak Contract between MCC, a state-owned Chinese firm, and the MoMP. The process will potentially

involve multiday session with lawyers and economists from Columbia University in the USA, senior

lawyers working within the program sponsored by the International Senior Lawyers Project (ISLP), and legal professionals working within the ministry’s contract negotiating team.

MIDAS advisors also continued talks with the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) of the

US Department of Commerce to train ministry legal staff on the industry standard methodology for

contract review and renegotiation. The CLDP is planning to conduct a contract review program in Istanbul in August that may benefit the MoMP legal staff to attend.

Advisory Council of Mines Presentation. A MIDAS advisor prepared a presentation to introduce

the newly formed Advisory Council of Mines. The council is comprised of representatives from civil

society and government and aims to ensure greater transparency and accountability in Afghanistan’s extractives sector.

Agreement with Indonesia Reviewed. A MIDAS advisor reviewed an agreement between Indonesia

and Afghanistan on the promotion of investment and trade between the two nations. Indonesia has

successfully implemented production-sharing agreements and the MoMP hopes that future cooperation with the nation can lead to a better understanding of how to pilot this type of agreement in Afghanistan.

Amendment Planning for New Minerals Law Continues. MIDAS advisors have launched an effort

to gather ideas from a broad range of stakeholders on how to improve the minerals law. A catalog of

proposed amendments was recently reviewed by a leadership committee of the ministry. The aim is to

prepare a comprehensive set of amendments that have strong support for adoption. This finalized list of amendments will be sent to the Cabinet of Ministers for their review and approval.

Initial Draft of Contract Oversight Regulation Completed. MIDAS advisors, working closely

with the MoMP Legal Directorate, prepared an initial draft of a regulation on budding and contract

oversight. The regulation will specify procedures for conducting tenders and bidding in a more clear, fair and transparent way.

Wrapping Up Jabal Seraj Cement Contract. The negotiations for the Jabal Seraj Cement Contract

have been completed with the private firm. However, certain issues remain including the issue of “dead

rent” and the amount required for the performance bond. The contract will soon be submitted to the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) for its approval.

Research on Mining Fees for Financial Regulation. A MIDAS advisor conducted extensive

research into the scale and magnitude of license fees, surface fees, and other forms of fees charged by

the national mining entities in a broad range of countries in Central Asia, the Americas, Africa, Europe

and the South Pacific. This research will help to set and justify fees which will be prescribed in the regulations currently in development at the MoMP.

Terms of Reference for Legal Advisor Positions. The head of the Legal Directorate requested

MIDAS support to develop the terms of reference for two legal advisor positions to be funded by the

World Bank.


Support to Write Annual Report for Legal Directorate. A MIDAS advisor supported the Legal

Directorate to develop its annual report. This report will be submitted to the Afghan Independent

Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission.

Model Contract for Small-Scale Mining. MIDAS advisors and MoMP legal staff have completed and

submitted a model contract for small-scale mining in compliance with the new minerals law. The model

contract was created based on international best practices. The contract will now be reviewed by the various departments within the Ministry.

COMPONENT II: CAPACITY BUILDING AND MINERAL

EXPLORATION

Herat Reconnaissance Trip Completed. A week-long trip to Herat was completed to examine

three potential mineral deposits including Sangilyan Barite, Char Olang Gypsum, and a limestone

outcrop near the Herat airport. The mission was undertaken by AGS and MIDAS geologists to identify

new exploration targets. The work was done taking in account the new geographical and commodity priorities of the MoMP Minister.

Sangilyan Barite Project. The

Sangilyan Barite Project is located

approximately 50 kilometers

north-northwest from the city of

Herat. Old records indicate that

exploration mapping and drilling,

consisting of 51 drill holes, was

conducted between 1972 and 1973

by the Soviets. Only four of the

drill hole collars and IDs were identified on the recent visit.

The barite vein mineralisation was

sub-vertically dipping, with

thickness ranging from 0.4 to 6.0 m

and length from 70 to 1,000 m.

Based on drilling intercepts, some of the veins were traced to a depth of at least 120 m.

Economic mineralization was reported to be confined to the volcaniclastic units. The visiting

MIDAS team leader measures dip of a drillable collar

Typical massiave textured Barite outcrop Coarse cystallized textured Barite outcrop


MIDAS technical team has confirmed the presence of the relatively exposed barite but with obvious signs of surface mining. Traces of collapsed tunnel entrances were barely recognizable.

The barite veins are structurally controlled, showing a characteristic pinch and swell geometry

throughout. Textures are generally massive but also coarse crystalline in places. Five (5) barite

samples were collected from different outcrop locations. They will be submitted for BaSO4

content determination and learn the amount of mineral impurities present. A number of mined

barite stockpiles can be seen in

various parts of the area.

The old Soviet mapping was

based on compass and tape

traversing and therefore largely

inaccurate. The proposed

geological mapping, aided by

differential global positioning

system (DGPS) equipment, will

be aimed at getting an accurate

survey, so that the vein surface

layout and geometry can be

plotted precisely using GIS

software. During the mapping

activity, AGS geologists will

receive hands-on training.

Likewise, the 51 holes that Soviets drilled are considered significant. However, these drill holes

will need to be accurately surveyed and plotted. The purpose of the proposed diamond drilling will be to confirm the barite intercepts by twinning and infilling some of existing holes.

A two-stage exploration program, comprising detailed geologic mapping and diamond drilling,

has been proposed as part of the draft Scope of Work. A review of the SOW is in progress.

Sangilyan Barite Project Location

Typical Barite stockpile


Char Olang Gypsum Project. Approximately 4 km southeast of the Sangilyan Barite Project

area, an artisanal gypsum mine was also

investigated. No historical record is

available on this gypsum deposit where

artisanal mining has occurred and is

probably still active. Several shallow pits,

up to 5m deep, marked the top of a flat

hilltop, just to the west of a south-

draining dry creek. The gypsum

exposures are relatively flat-dipping (5-

15 degrees, dipping to 200 degrees

azimuth) beds intercalated with

siltstone/mudstone. The deposit belongs

to the Pliocene to Mid-Miocene sedimentary unit.

MIDAS advisors found a very brief

reference to the deposit in a forty-year

old document that suggests that there

are two main gypsum-bearing beds

although only one of these deposits was

quickly investigated. One deposit

extends approximately 5,000m and 30m

thick, with gypsum lenses measuring 0.2

to 2.0m thick. The other is about 1500m long and up to 20m thick.

Due to its proximity to the barite

deposit and possibly its potentially

significant size, Char Olang has been added to the proposed geological mapping and drilling program.

Gypsum outcrop

Field team explores Gypsum site

Gypsum project location map


Limestone Prospect. Initially, the plan was to visit a limestone outcrop about 55 km east

north east of Herat, based on USGS’ identified deposit types. However, the team was warned

about the area being unsecure. An alternative limestone outcrop was chosen due to its

proximity to the Herat airport. A geological investigation of this outcrop, located about 8 kms

west of the airport, however, proved disappointing with the quality of the limestone deposit

turned out to be poor.

Support to Senior Leadership of the MoMP. During the month of May, MIDAS advisors provided

the following assistance:

Mines and Petroleum Management Advisory Council (MPMAC). MIDAS advisors

helped organize and facilitate the first MPMAC meeting on June 14th. The all-day meeting was

very productive with a high turnout. A MIDAS advisor has been asked to help support the

planning of future meetings.

Task Force on Precious/Semi-Precious Stone Value Chains. A MIDAS advisor was

recruited to the taskforce and asked to create an action plan for building strong value chains in

the precious/semi-precious stone sector. The advisor is working with the Ministry of Commerce

and Industry. The MoMP is focused on the mining side of the value chain while the Ministry of

Commerce is focused on the sales and final product side. The taskforce meets quarterly, and the

next meeting is scheduled for mid-September 2015.

Master of Science in Mining Management at the American University of Afghanistan

(AUAF). MIDAS senior leadership met with the Vice-Chancellor and Communications

Director of AUAF, to discuss outstanding issues that needed to be resolved to start the

program. Most of the issues were settled and it is hoped that the program will launch early next

year.

Investment Promotion Directorate

Mineral Sector Development Directorate (MSDD) Restructured. As a result of the

new MoMP organizational structure, the MSDD was renamed to the Investment

Promotion and Marketing Directorate (IPMD) and the structure of the department was

analyzed. MIDAS advisors were asked to create new job descriptions for each position

within the directorate as well as write a rationale behind the creation of the directorate.

Brochure Presentation Initiative. After printing the eighteen brochures edited by the

MIDAS project, a MIDAS advisor started a new initiative where on IPMD staff member

will present a brochure to the rest of the staff on weekly basis. The aim is to improve

the communications and presentation skills of the IPMD staff. It will also provide the

staff with an opportunity to learn about the mineral deposits and mines in Afghanistan.

So far, four employees have presented with positive feedback. The activity will continue

until all of the brochures are covered.

Investment Promotion Committee. The IPMD is working to establishing an

investment promotion committee in the ministry. This committee would be comprised

of key directorates of the ministry and would help to prioritize extractives projects to

tender.

Construction Material Tendering Documents Complete. A MIDAS advisor finalized the

construction material (sand, gravel and mountain rock) tendering documents and presented it

before the steering committee. The final approval has also been given by ministerial committee.

These documents will be used when apply for the development of construction materials. This


work, as well as two other model application packages, are being worked on in cooperation with the MoMP Legal Directorate.

TAPI Presentation. A MIDAS advisor prepared a presentation for the Deputy Minister of

Policy and Programs on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline in advance

of the deputy minister’s trip to meet the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Minister.

ArcGIS Training for AGS Resumed. MIDAS teamed with the World Bank-funded Capacity Building

for Afghan Geological Survey II (CBAGS II) project to train geologists and engineers from the AGS on

the use of ArcGIS 10.2. The training will be suspended during July while the AGS staff leave Kabul for field assignments. Classes will resume at the completion of the 2015 field season.

MoMP Internship Program Fills Gaps in Ministry. The MIDAS-funded Internship program

supports fourteen interns in the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum. The goal of the program, launched in

March 2014, is to provide the opportunity for recent university graduates to gain work experience in the civil service and provide fresh skills and outlook to the ministry.

Legal Directorate Interns. The interns prepared, filed and managed legal and official documents.

They helped to maintain mining contracts and natural fertilizer sale procedures as well as provided opinion to resolve conflicts from mining contracts.

Strategic Unit interns. The interns typed statements on industrial policy. They also prepared a presentation and minutes for the first Mining Advisory Council meeting.

Policy Directorate Interns. The interns collected information related to the 25 days report from

Aynak project, Mineral Sector Development and Cadastre Directorates. Provide support on

security plan preparation and a presentation about the objectives, vision and policy of MoMP for

Alberoni University students. Collated information about quarterly income of the fiscal year to Central Statistical Organization (CSO). They also updated the Zarkashan report.

Hydrocarbon Sector Development Directorate Interns. The interns gathered information about the

Extractive Industry Development framework, made a list of donors and created an investor’s presentation for private mining companies.

Mineral Sector Development Directorate Interns. The interns read and summarized incoming letters,

assisted in the preparation of tender documents for small scale mining in Afghanistan and market research for mineral resources.

Executive Department Interns. The interns organized and maintained files and records, scheduling

meetings and appointments for Deputy Minister, and prepared correspondence, reports, and presentations.

COMPONENT III: MINING-RELATED ENTERPRISE

DEVELOPMENT

Afghan Mining Enterprise Initiative (AMEI). Training sessions for the small and medium-sized

enterprises (SMEs) of the AMEI continued during the month of June. Staff from the MOMP’s Artisanal and Small Mining Directorate also attended. The following trainings were delivered:

Basic Accounting & Internal Control. The basic accounting and internal control training

session took place as a follow up on the business plan development training. The session focused

on internal auditing, basic accounting principles, and their importance for finance controls in a

firm. MIDAS trainers emphasized the importance of having a strong financial system in place to


manage the expansion of work if they plan to partner with international firms in the mining

sector in Afghanistan or abroad. The businesses learned they need to have their financial

statements audited so that investors can review their financial practices. The firms also learned

about international accounting standards such as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

(GAPP). Most of the firms lack such a financial infrastructure and showed interest to develop

one in the future.

One firm shared their experience using financial management software such as QuickBooks and

how it allows them to print financial statements and review expenditures, revenue, payables, and

more. Such tools will make the AMEI firms more compliant with international finance standards and show international investors that they are serious about partnering for business.

Basic Budgeting. A follow session to the basic accounting and internal control session was

held on the basics of budgeting. The session introduced the concepts of budget planning,

execution, and development as well as discussing common errors in the process. A budget is a

financial map that companies can use to guide their activities. It shows how much they can

spend, when they can spend and how much revenue they may generate. Knowing these details

can help the AMEI firms prioritize their activities to meet their goals under tighter cash

restrictions. MIDAS advisors also discussed the difference between activity-based budgeting and

program-based budgeting, either of which could be needed to respond to tenders. Abdul Latif,

from Natural Stone Company, commented that a good manager uses a budget to prevent overspending, save time, and improve transparency.

Community Development Agreement (CDA) Package Reviewed. MIDAS advisors worked

closely with the MoMP Cadastre Directorate to gather input for the development of a model CDA.

Discussions with ministry employees during some of the MIDAS provincial workshops also brought some other gaps to light that need to be included in the CDA:

Local Employment. The mining company should facilitate jobs for local community. If the

community lacks capacity, they should be trained in order to get involved.

Social Development. There should be more focus on the specifics for mining firms to

develop schools, clinics, roads, power and other infrastructure. Local schools should be funded

by the mining company for the life of the mine .

Land. Many mining communities engaged by the MIDAS project have expressed the importance

of protecting their land, which very often provides their livelihood. These issues should be

settled within the CDA.

Security. Security is one of the biggest threats to a mining project in Afghanistan. A mechanism

should be introduced to utilize community leaders to help identify security threats.

Five Percent Revenue Distribution Case Study. MIDAS advisors continued to work on this case

study. The minerals law mentions that five percent of revenue from mining projects should be

distributed to local communities. This research paper will provide the basis for how to implement that

measure. The paper includes a literature review, interviews, questionnaire and sessions with different

relevant stakeholders. Three countries that have implemented a similar structure will be reviewed (Chile, Cambodia, and Timor Leste).

MIDAS advisors met the Director of the Budget Department at the Ministry of Finance to gain

knowledge about budget development and distribution. There will be close collaboration with the

Ministry of Finance on the preparation of this paper.

Community Engagement Training Package. MIDAS advisors worked on a community

engagement training package which will include sessions on: the participatory planning process,


community development agreements, and Mining Development Councils (MDCs). The team is

developing the contents and will work with the relevant stakeholders within the ministry to refine the

trainings. The community engagement package includes:

Participatory Planning Process

Community Development Agreement

Mining Development Council

PLANS FOR NEXT MONTH

Component I

Continue to develop technical, financial, and contract oversight regulations for the minerals law.

Continue to develop model mining contracts for Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining.

Continue to develop new amendments to improve the mining law.

Continue to develop agreement with Indonesia on investment cooperation.

Plan with Columbia University to review the Aynak contract.

Component II

Review work plans with MIDAS leadership and security on the following proposed projects:

o Ariv Valley Polymetallic Project, Panshjer Province – this area was visited by MIDAS team

in 2014 where anomalous Ag, Au, values were returned

o Saighan Molybdenum Project, Bamyan Province – a combined AGS/MIDAS team visited

the area in 2014, where a single molybdenum-mineralized quartz vein outcrop was

identified within a 15 square kilometer area.

o Ras Gold Project (USGS’ Bamyan1 AOI), Wardak Province – this prospect is one of the

areas of interest identified by USGS through the Hyperspectral mapping survey (HyMap)

of the entire land area of Afghanistan. An area of clay-carbonate alteration was

interpreted from the HyMap, suggesting a possible epithermal / carbonate springs type

gold+copper deposit.

o Andkhui Salt Project, Faryab Province - one of the country’s strategic mineral target

forming part of the Minister’s priority projects.

Review and finalize draft Drilling Scope of Work (SOW) for the Herat projects.

Create first draft of business plan for the IPMD directorate.

Complete first draft of small-scale mining tendering documents.

Component III

Re-launch on-the-job training with Communications and Public Affairs Directorate (training was

suspended during Ramadan per MoMP request).

Continue to work on CDA package with the Cadastre Directorate.

Plan gender training workshop in Mazar with MoMP Gender Unit. The two-day workshop is

planned for August 2015 where a trainer from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs will provide

gender awareness and quality training to MoMP provincial employees.

Deliver additional workshops for the AMEI on quality control and assurance, ISO compliance,

and human resources management.

Develop 5% revenue distribution case study.

Plan community engagement training for provincial workshops.


PROJECT ADMINISTRATION

Security

All operations were conducted without incident during the month of June. MIDAS conducted 268

vehicle movements including a week-long geology reconnaissance mission to Herat. In addition, an

overland mission was conducted to meet the Wardak Provincial Governor to plan for a potential

mission to a site in the mountains on the border of Wardak and Bayman Provinces.

The security threat level in Kabul remained at high critical level as insurgent activities continued to

target GIRoA and International Organizations, including several high profile attacks in Kabul.

The Afghan National Security Council has banned all weapons shipments via air travel within Afghanistan

and this has had a significant negative affect on our ability to support operations in the field, while at the

same time greatly increasing our operational costs.

MIDAS is working with USAID to hire an additional EMT / Paramedic to support the team’s field

missions.