Foresight as a tool for sustainable development in natural resources: The case of mineral extraction in Afghanistan

This subjective essay uses the six pillars approach of future studies to address the futures of mineral extraction in Afghanistan. The analysis through this methodology is directed at decision makers and stakeholders as they evaluate the role of minerals in the Afghan economy and intends to inform public policies regarding mineral extraction beyond sectoral silo focus. The future space is visualized through the six pillars approach with accompanying methods and by identifying patterns of change. There is a valid risk of greatly over-estimating the economic and strategic opportunities offered by Afghanistan's newly discovered mineral wealth. Afghanistan also risks being infected with the resource curse. The essay concludes with policy recommendations to realize the potential of this gift of nature, most efficiently and equitably and to also use them as a means of effective socio-economic development and prosperity.