The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has made progress in discussions on contracts for five projects worth $350 million, a spokesman for the ministry, Abdul Qadeer Mutfi, said on Tuesday.

The projects include investment in two cement factories and extraction of marble, talc and travertine, Mr. Mutfi said. 
He said that at least $170 million will be invested in the second phase of Jabal Siraj cement factory, $136 million in Samangan cement factory. 
According to him, the two factories will be able to produce 3,300 tons of cement a day after the contracts are sealed. 
He said the mining projects will be implemented in Kunar, Nangarhar and Parwan.
“We are in talks. We have had improvements in the five projects. The contracts will be signed soon,” Mr. Mutfi said.
The private sector criticized delay in major mining projects.
“The process is too long. It should be to the High Economic Council and then the contracts should be sent to the cabinet, and it should be approved by the cabinet,” said Khan Jan Alokozay, Acting head of Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries.