A report released by the United States noted that Afghanistan has nearly a trillion dollars worth of mineral reserves.

The report, authored by the US military, the PPw|US Geological Service}}, and the US Agency for International Development, stated that the total wealth in mineral reserves is upwards of US$900 billion, although Afghan President <name>Hamid Karzai</name> has said the value of mineral reserves in the country could be as much as US$3 trillion.

Undetermined amounts of lithium
According to <name>Jawad Omar</name>, the spokesperson of Ministry of Mines, the potential income from mining the reserves would be enough for the country to become self-sustaining, without the need for international financial aid.

US military official General <name>David Petraeus</name> said that there was "stunning potential" for Afghanistan, going on to say that "[t]here are a lot of ifs, of course, but I think potentially it is hugely significant."

<name>Waheed Omar</name>, a spokesperson for Karzai stated that "it's very, very big news for the people of Afghanistan and that we hope will bring the Afghan people together for a cause that will benefit everyone."

Analysts were less optimistic about the potential for a mining industry. <name>Janan Mosazai</name>, one such analyst, said that "I highly doubt it will be able to either properly manage these resources or use the riches to build a more peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan for all Afghans." <name>Mosazai</name> cited Nigeria as an example of a country that has seen increased violence as a result of abundant natural resources; in that case, oil.