Afghanistan Seeks to Re-Engage Former Indian Partners in $10 Billion Hajigak Iron Ore Deal After India Visit

NEW YORK & MILANO, Italy - Oct. 7, 2025 - PRLog -- Afghanistan's Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, led a high-profile delegation on a visit to India. The visit marks the highest-level diplomatic engagement between the countries. Blackwood Group responds to renewed Interest in reviving the Hajigak Iron Ore Project and underscores full adherence to international compliance standards.

Zurich / Kabul — October 2025

In 2011, the Government of Afghanistan awarded four of five blocks of the Hajigak iron ore deposit—the world's largest known iron reserve—to an Indian consortium of companies led by the Steel Authority of India (SAIL), with a fifth block awarded to Canada's Kilo Goldmines Ltd. The multi-billion-dollar concession was negotiated by Wasee Panah of The Blackwood Group S.A., who served as chief negotiator between the Afghan government and the Indian consortium, helping establish what was then Afghanistan's single largest foreign-investment project.

Today, according to recent communications with Afghan authorities spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, the current Afghan government has expressed interest in reopening the country to international investors and in renegotiating mining leases originally awarded under the former administration. Officials have indicated that outreach is being made to the companies involved in the earlier agreements to explore the possibility of renewed cooperation.

"Blackwood Group recognizes the historic importance of the Hajigak project," said Wasee Panah, Co-Founder of The Blackwood Group S.A. "We would only consider returning to the table under strict adherence to international law, full compliance with UN and U.S. sanctions, and clear respect for human rights. Any engagement must also be supported by verifiable security guarantees for Indian investors and project personnel."

The Hajigak deposit, located in Bamiyan Province, is estimated to contain 1.8 billion tons of high-grade ore, making it one of the most significant untapped mineral resources in the region. The original 2011 project envisioned large-scale mining operations, a domestic steel and power complex, and railway infrastructure linking Afghanistan with regional export routes. Blackwood Group has reaffirmed its readiness to assess any lawful invitation to participate in renewed talks once the appropriate international and security conditions are confirmed. The company continues to emphasize its commitment to ethical investment, transparency, and long-term regional development within the parameters of international law and global compliance frameworks.

About The Blackwood Group S.A.
Founded in Switzerland, The Blackwood Group S.A. is a strategic advisory and consulting firm specializing in energy, infrastructure, mining, security and geopolitical intelligence. The firm provides high-level negotiation, due-diligence, and risk-analysis support to governments, investors, and multinational corporations. Blackwood is recognized for bridging public- and private-sector interests across emerging markets with a focus on legal integrity, economic sustainability and responsible growth.

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