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Abstract
This research investigates the geological and economic aspects of the valuable talc mineral deposits in the Achin district of Nangarhar province, located along the northern slopes of the Spinghar mountain range. The primary objective is the detailed evaluation of the structural framework, identification of the genetic origin, analysis of physicochemical quality, and scientific estimation of reserves to pave the way for sustainable industrial development and national economic growth. The methodology was conducted as a literature review, encompassing a comprehensive examination of previous technical reports and historical documents. Findings demonstrated that talc and magnesite mineralization in the area is the product of complex regional metamorphism processes and their interaction with hydrothermal solutions within dolomitic marbles belonging to the Proterozoic era. The talc veins in this structural zone range from 100 to 150 meters in length and 2 to 20 meters in width. The reserves are estimated at approximately 5.5 million tons of talc and 66 million tons of magnesite, possessing high purity and fully complying with international industrial standards. Furthermore, due to its pure white color and the absence of harmful impurities, the extracted talc has extensive applicability in major industries such as papermaking, paint production, plastics, and cosmetics. These characteristics double the strategic and commercial importance of the region as a potential mining hub at the national level. Finally, to prevent exporting raw materials, increase economic value added, and create new employment opportunities for the local community, establishing standard processing plants near the mine is highly recommended.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Kabul University

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References
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- رحمانی، ع. ب. (۱۳۸۴). جیولوجی منطقوی. انتشارات عازم.
- سهاک، ن. (۱۳۹۳). علم معادن فلزی. انتشارات سیرت.
- ظفری، ع. (۱۳۶۴). تفحص و اکتشاف معادن مواد مفیده. پوهنتون پولیتکنیک کابل.
- فیروز، ن. (۱۳۵۷). جیولوجی منطقوی افغانستان. پوهنتون پولیتکنیک افغانستان.
- معصوم، م. (۱۳۷۶). اقتصاد امور اکتشافات جیولوجیکی. انتشارات مستقبل.
- Rasouli, H., Belhassan, K., & Vaseashta, A. (2024). Hydrogeological investigations of Paghman Valleys in Kabul, Afghanistan. Advances in Geological and Geotechnical Engineering Research, 6(1), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.30564/agger.v6i1.6203
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- Rasouli, H., & Vaseashta, A. (2023b). Investigation of physicochemical properties of Qalay Abdul Ali soil, Kabul, Afghanistan. Advances in Geological and Geotechnical Engineering Research, 5(3), 55–68. https://doi.org/10.30564/agger.v5i3.5773
- Rasouli, H. (2021b). Analysis of groundwater quality in Jabal Sarage and Charikar Districts, Parwan, Afghanistan. Journal of Geological Research, 3(4), 45–55. https://doi.org/10.30564/jgr.v3i4.3717
- Rasouli, H., Kayastha, R. B., Bhattarai, B. C., Shrestha, A., Arian, H., & Armstrong, R. (2015). Estimation of discharge from Upper Kabul River Basin, Afghanistan using the snowmelt runoff model. Journal of Hydrology and Meteorology, 9(1), 85–94. https://doi.org/10.3126/jhm.v9i1.15584
- Rasouli, H., Quraishi, R., & Belhassan, K. (2021). Investigations on river sediments in Chak Sedimentary Basin, Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Journal of Geological Research, 3(4), 21–29. https://doi.org/10.30564/jgr.v3i4.3574
- Rasouli, H. (2022a). Climate change impacts on water resources and air pollution in Kabul Sub-basins, Afghanistan. Advances in Geological and Geotechnical Engineering Research, 4(1), 11–27. https://doi.org/10.30564/agger.v4i1.4312
- Rasouli, H., Vaseashta, A., & Hamdard, M. H. (2023c). Sedimentological study of Chack Hydropower Reservoir, Wardak, Afghanistan. International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications, 5(1), 21–32. https://izlik.org/JA92XA87KW
- Rasouli, H., Vaseashta, A., & Belhassan, K. (2023d). Mechanical analysis of Khair Abad Village, Surkhrud District, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications, 5(1), 103–120. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370636667
- Arian, H., Kayastha, R. B., Bhattarai, B. C., Shrestha, A., Rasouli, H., & Armstrong, R. (2015). Application of the snowmelt runoff model in the Salang River Basin, Afghanistan using MODIS satellite data. Journal of Hydrology and Meteorology, 9(1), 109–118. https:// 10.3126/jhm.v9i1.15586
- Rasouli, H., & Safi, A. G. (2021a). Geological, soil and sediment studies in Chelsaton Sedimentary Basin, Kabul, Afghanistan. International Journal of Geosciences, 12, 170–193. https://doi.org/10.4236/ijg.2021.122011
- Rasouli, H., Sarwari, M. H., Khairuddin, R., & Said, A. H. (2020a). Geological study of Tangi Mahipar Mountain Range along Kabul-Jalalabad Road, Afghanistan. Open Journal of Geology, 10(10), 921–942. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojg.2020.1010044
- Rasouli, H. (2020). Application of soil physical and chemical parameters and its comparison in Kabul Sedimentary Basins, Kabul, Afghanistan. International Journal of Research in Science and Research. https://doi.org/10.24327/ijrsr.2020.1102.5095
- Rasouli, H., & Shamal, S. (2018). Comparison between EC, CaCO₃, and mechanical analysis of Qala Wahid and Company Areas soil, Kabul, Afghanistan. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 8(5). https://www.ijsr.net/archive/v8i5/ART20197381.pdf
- Rasouli, H., Shamal, S., & Sarwari, M. H. (2021b). Geological study of Dasht-e-Top Sedimentary Basin, Wardak Province, Afghanistan. International Journal of Geosciences, 12, 531–540. https://doi.org/10.4236/ijg.2021.126029
- Rasouli, H., Vaseashta, A., & Hamdard, H. (2023e). Study of physicochemical properties of soil at Qargha Dam Areas in Paghman District, Kabul, Afghanistan. International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications. http://www.ijeska.com/index.php/ijeska
- Orris, G. J., & Bliss, J. D. (2002). Mines and mineral occurrences of Afghanistan (Open-File Report 2002-110). U.S. Geological Survey. https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr02110
- Flanagan, D. M. (2022). Talc and pyrophyllite. In Mineral commodity summaries 2022 (pp. 170–171). https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2022/mcs2022-talc.pdf
- U.S. Geological Survey. (2021). The mineral industry of Afghanistan. In Minerals yearbook 2019–2020. U.S. Department of the Interior. https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center
- King, H. M. (2024). Talc. Geology.com. https://geology.com/minerals/talc.shtml
- Mindat.org. (2024). Achin magnesite-talc deposit, Achin District, Nangarhar, Afghanistan. https://www.mindat.org/loc-30562.html
- International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2012). Talc: Exposure data. In Carbon black, titanium dioxide, and talc (IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Vol. 93, pp. 277–412). World Health Organization. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK326506/
- Chmirov, V. M., & Mirzad, Ag. (1974). Identification of magnesite occurrence in Achin deposit, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan [Unpublished technical report]. Ministry of Mines and Industries, Government of Afghanistan.
- Yousufzai, A., Waizy, H., Qanit, A. B., & Yousufzai, Q. (2020). Mineralogy and geochemistry of talc deposits in the Khogyani district of the Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. Research Review International Journal of Multidisciplinary, 5(7), 129–138. https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2020.v05.i07.027
References
امینی، م. ع. (۱۳۹۴). تفحص و اکتشافات. نشر پوهنتون پولیتکنیک کابل.
رحمانی، ع. ب. (۱۳۸۴). جیولوجی منطقوی. انتشارات عازم.
سهاک، ن. (۱۳۹۳). علم معادن فلزی. انتشارات سیرت.
ظفری، ع. (۱۳۶۴). تفحص و اکتشاف معادن مواد مفیده. پوهنتون پولیتکنیک کابل.
فیروز، ن. (۱۳۵۷). جیولوجی منطقوی افغانستان. پوهنتون پولیتکنیک افغانستان.
معصوم، م. (۱۳۷۶). اقتصاد امور اکتشافات جیولوجیکی. انتشارات مستقبل.
Rasouli, H., Belhassan, K., & Vaseashta, A. (2024). Hydrogeological investigations of Paghman Valleys in Kabul, Afghanistan. Advances in Geological and Geotechnical Engineering Research, 6(1), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.30564/agger.v6i1.6203
Rasouli, H., & Vaseashta, A. (2023a). Groundwater quality assessment in Pul-e-Charkhi Region, Kabul, Afghanistan. Advances in Geological and Geotechnical Engineering Research, 5(4), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.30564/agger.v5i4.5949
Rasouli, H., & Vaseashta, A. (2023b). Investigation of physicochemical properties of Qalay Abdul Ali soil, Kabul, Afghanistan. Advances in Geological and Geotechnical Engineering Research, 5(3), 55–68. https://doi.org/10.30564/agger.v5i3.5773
Rasouli, H. (2021b). Analysis of groundwater quality in Jabal Sarage and Charikar Districts, Parwan, Afghanistan. Journal of Geological Research, 3(4), 45–55. https://doi.org/10.30564/jgr.v3i4.3717
Rasouli, H., Kayastha, R. B., Bhattarai, B. C., Shrestha, A., Arian, H., & Armstrong, R. (2015). Estimation of discharge from Upper Kabul River Basin, Afghanistan using the snowmelt runoff model. Journal of Hydrology and Meteorology, 9(1), 85–94. https://doi.org/10.3126/jhm.v9i1.15584
Rasouli, H., Quraishi, R., & Belhassan, K. (2021). Investigations on river sediments in Chak Sedimentary Basin, Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Journal of Geological Research, 3(4), 21–29. https://doi.org/10.30564/jgr.v3i4.3574
Rasouli, H. (2022a). Climate change impacts on water resources and air pollution in Kabul Sub-basins, Afghanistan. Advances in Geological and Geotechnical Engineering Research, 4(1), 11–27. https://doi.org/10.30564/agger.v4i1.4312
Rasouli, H., Vaseashta, A., & Hamdard, M. H. (2023c). Sedimentological study of Chack Hydropower Reservoir, Wardak, Afghanistan. International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications, 5(1), 21–32. https://izlik.org/JA92XA87KW
Rasouli, H., Vaseashta, A., & Belhassan, K. (2023d). Mechanical analysis of Khair Abad Village, Surkhrud District, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications, 5(1), 103–120. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370636667
Arian, H., Kayastha, R. B., Bhattarai, B. C., Shrestha, A., Rasouli, H., & Armstrong, R. (2015). Application of the snowmelt runoff model in the Salang River Basin, Afghanistan using MODIS satellite data. Journal of Hydrology and Meteorology, 9(1), 109–118. https:// 10.3126/jhm.v9i1.15586
Rasouli, H., & Safi, A. G. (2021a). Geological, soil and sediment studies in Chelsaton Sedimentary Basin, Kabul, Afghanistan. International Journal of Geosciences, 12, 170–193. https://doi.org/10.4236/ijg.2021.122011
Rasouli, H., Sarwari, M. H., Khairuddin, R., & Said, A. H. (2020a). Geological study of Tangi Mahipar Mountain Range along Kabul-Jalalabad Road, Afghanistan. Open Journal of Geology, 10(10), 921–942. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojg.2020.1010044
Rasouli, H. (2020). Application of soil physical and chemical parameters and its comparison in Kabul Sedimentary Basins, Kabul, Afghanistan. International Journal of Research in Science and Research. https://doi.org/10.24327/ijrsr.2020.1102.5095
Rasouli, H., & Shamal, S. (2018). Comparison between EC, CaCO₃, and mechanical analysis of Qala Wahid and Company Areas soil, Kabul, Afghanistan. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 8(5). https://www.ijsr.net/archive/v8i5/ART20197381.pdf
Rasouli, H., Shamal, S., & Sarwari, M. H. (2021b). Geological study of Dasht-e-Top Sedimentary Basin, Wardak Province, Afghanistan. International Journal of Geosciences, 12, 531–540. https://doi.org/10.4236/ijg.2021.126029
Rasouli, H., Vaseashta, A., & Hamdard, H. (2023e). Study of physicochemical properties of soil at Qargha Dam Areas in Paghman District, Kabul, Afghanistan. International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications. http://www.ijeska.com/index.php/ijeska
Orris, G. J., & Bliss, J. D. (2002). Mines and mineral occurrences of Afghanistan (Open-File Report 2002-110). U.S. Geological Survey. https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr02110
Flanagan, D. M. (2022). Talc and pyrophyllite. In Mineral commodity summaries 2022 (pp. 170–171). https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2022/mcs2022-talc.pdf
U.S. Geological Survey. (2021). The mineral industry of Afghanistan. In Minerals yearbook 2019–2020. U.S. Department of the Interior. https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center
King, H. M. (2024). Talc. Geology.com. https://geology.com/minerals/talc.shtml
Mindat.org. (2024). Achin magnesite-talc deposit, Achin District, Nangarhar, Afghanistan. https://www.mindat.org/loc-30562.html
International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2012). Talc: Exposure data. In Carbon black, titanium dioxide, and talc (IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Vol. 93, pp. 277–412). World Health Organization. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK326506/
Chmirov, V. M., & Mirzad, Ag. (1974). Identification of magnesite occurrence in Achin deposit, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan [Unpublished technical report]. Ministry of Mines and Industries, Government of Afghanistan.
Yousufzai, A., Waizy, H., Qanit, A. B., & Yousufzai, Q. (2020). Mineralogy and geochemistry of talc deposits in the Khogyani district of the Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. Research Review International Journal of Multidisciplinary, 5(7), 129–138. https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2020.v05.i07.027