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Transcript of USAID MINING INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT FOR …pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00MM7K.pdfUSAID MINING...
USAID MINING INVESTMENT AND
DEVELOPMENT FOR AFGHAN
SUSTAINABILITY (MIDAS) MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT – JUNE 2015
5 JULY 2015
This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It
was prepared by ECC Water & Power LLC.
MIDAS Geologists gathered GPS coordinates at Barite site in Herat
MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT (June 2015) 1
Contract Information
Project Title Mining Investment and Development for Afghan Sustainability
(MIDAS)
USAID Contract Number AID-306-TO-13-00003
Contracting Officer’s Representative
(COR) Khalid Ludin
Contracting Officer Greg Wang
MIDAS Overview
The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Afghanistan country strategy
includes development of sustainable economy and infrastructure in Afghanistan. USAID’s Office of
Economic Growth and Infrastructure launched the Mining Investment and Development for Afghan
Sustainability program on 31 March 2013. Its mission is to support the government of Afghanistan to
strengthen the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum and relevant private sector entities to exploit Afghanistan’s wealth of natural resources, in line with international standards.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for
International Development or the United States Government.
MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT (June 2015) 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents .............................................................................................................. 2
List of Acronyms ............................................................................................................... 3
Executive Summary .......................................................................................................... 4
COMPONENT I: LEGAL AND REGULATORY REFORM ........................................... 5
COMPONENT II: CAPACITY BUILDING AND MINERAL
EXPLORATION ................................................................................................................ 6
COMPONENT III: MINING-RELATED ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT ................. 10
PLANS FOR NEXT MONTH ........................................................................................ 12
PROJECT ADMINISTRATION ..................................................................................... 13
MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT (June 2015) 3
LIST OF ACRONYMS
ACOR Alternate Contracting Officer’s Representative
AGS Afghanistan Geological Survey
AMEI Afghanistan Mining Enterprise Initiative
ANDS Afghanistan National Development Strategy
APPF Afghan Public Protection Force
ARCP Afghanistan Resource Corridor Project
ASI Adam Smith International
CBAGS II Capacity Building of AGS II (component of WB SDNRP)
CDA Community Development Agreement
CCN Cooperating Country National
CO Contracting Officer
COP Chief of Party
COR Contracting Officer’s Representative
CPFF Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Contract
DFID Department for International Development (UK Government)
EGGI Economic Growth and Governance Initiative
EI Extractive Industry
E-WP ECC Water & Power LLC
ESSP Extractives Sector Support Program
GFE Government Furnished Equipment
GPS Global Positioning System
GIRoA Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
GIS Geographical Information System
GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
MAC MIDAS, ASI, and CBAGS II (donor coordination committee)
MIDAS Mining Investment and Development for Afghan Sustainability
MoMP Ministry of Mines and Petroleum (formerly Ministry of Mines)
MOWA Ministry of Women Affairs
NAPWA National Action Plan for Women in Afghanistan
NDS National Directorate of Security
OAA USAID/Afghanistan Office of Acquisition and Assistance
OEGI USAID/Afghanistan Office of Economic Growth and Infrastructure
PLSO Partner Liaison Security Office
PPP Public Private Partnership
SDNRP Sustainable Development of Natural Resources Project (WB)
SRK ES SRK Exploration Services
SME Small and Medium-sized Enterprise
STTA Short-Term Technical Advisor
TAFA Trade Access and Facilitation for Afghanistan
TAMoMP Technical Assistance for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum (DFID-funded/ASI project)
TCN Third-Country National
TFBSO Task Force for Business and Stability Operations
TI Training Institute
T-VET Technical and Vocational Education and Training
TO Task Order
USAID United States Agency for International Development
USGS United States Geological Survey
USN United States National
WB World Bank
MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT (June 2015) 4
This report summarizes project activities and accomplishments under the USAID Mining Investment and
Development for Afghan Sustainability (MIDAS) Project for June 1-30, 2015. The Monthly Report for
July is due on August 5, 2015.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Herat Reconnaissance Trip for Completed. A week-long trip to Herat Province was completed to
examine three potential mineral deposits including Sangilyan Barite, Char Olang Gypsum, and a
limestone outcrop near the Herat airport. The mission was undertaken by AGS and MIDAS geologists
to identify new exploration targets. The work was done taking in account the new geographical and
commodity priorities of the MoMP Minister. Barite, a mineral composed of barium sulphate (BaS04), is
in high demand for the oil and gas exploration industry worldwide, with China and India leading in
production. In fact, a majority of the Barite sold worldwide is used for this purpose alone. Used as a
weighing agent when drilling for natural gas and oil, Barite allows drill bits to adjust to the pressure of
different rock formations and prevents blowouts. Thus, drill bits last longer and drill holes can be
completed faster. In Afghanistan, the benefits of Barite could be far reaching. The nation’s natural
resource development is in its nascency consisting mostly of drilling exploration for minerals, oil, or gas.
At an international market rate of $109-$160 per ton, Barite could extracted for export or used to
improve native production of oil and gas. Thus, the prospect could attract strong interest in both foreign
and domestic investment.
Initial Draft of Contract Oversight Regulation Completed. MIDAS advisors, working closely
with the MoMP Legal Directorate, prepared an initial draft of a regulation on bidding and contract
oversight. The regulation will specify procedures for conducting tenders and bidding in a more clear, fair
and transparent way.
Contract Review Exercise. While on the MIDAS-organized US study tour, the Minister of Mines and
Petroleum reached an agreement with Columbia University’s Law School to review current mining
contracts and to improve the way the ministry writes and negotiates contracts. A working review of
contracts will be conducted in the coming months. The initial focus will be on the Aynak copper
contract between MCC, a state-owned Chinese firm, and the MoMP.
Mineral Sector Development Directorate (MSDD) Restructured. As a result of the new MoMP
organizational structure, the MSDD was renamed to the Investment Promotion and Marketing
Directorate (IPMD) and the structure of the department was analyzed. MIDAS advisors were asked to
create new job descriptions for each position within the directorate as well as write a rationale behind
the creation of the directorate.
Afghan Mining Enterprise Initiative (AMEI) Training on Budgeting and Accounting. Two
training sessions for the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of the AMEI were conducted on
basic budgeting and accounting. The basic accounting course focuses on internal auditing, basic
accounting principles and the importance of strong financial controls. If firms are going to partner with
international firms, they need to have auditable and industry standard financial tracking to demonstrate
their efficiency. Most firms lack such a financial infrastructure. The second training was held on budgeting
and included budget planning, execution, and development. Knowing these details can help the AMEI
firms prioritize their activities and meet their goals without overspending.
Donor Coordination. MIDAS advisors regularly met with the British Geological Survey, DfID, IPMD
to resolve outstanding issues. A MIDAS advisor attended the monthly Natural Resources Monitoring
Network (NRMN) meeting.
MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT (June 2015) 5
COMPONENT I: LEGAL AND REGULATORY REFORM
Contract Review Exercise. While on the MIDAS-organized US study tour, the Minister of Mines and
Petroleum met with Columbia University’s Law School as well as the US Department of Commerce to
discuss the need for a comprehensive and transparent review of current and pending mining contracts, as well as methods for how the ministry can improve the way it writes and negotiates contracts.
A working review of contracts will be conducted in the coming months. The initial focus will be on the
Aynak Contract between MCC, a state-owned Chinese firm, and the MoMP. The process will potentially
involve multiday session with lawyers and economists from Columbia University in the USA, senior
lawyers working within the program sponsored by the International Senior Lawyers Project (ISLP), and legal professionals working within the ministry’s contract negotiating team.
MIDAS advisors also continued talks with the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) of the
US Department of Commerce to train ministry legal staff on the industry standard methodology for
contract review and renegotiation. The CLDP is planning to conduct a contract review program in Istanbul in August that may benefit the MoMP legal staff to attend.
Advisory Council of Mines Presentation. A MIDAS advisor prepared a presentation to introduce
the newly formed Advisory Council of Mines. The council is comprised of representatives from civil
society and government and aims to ensure greater transparency and accountability in Afghanistan’s extractives sector.
Agreement with Indonesia Reviewed. A MIDAS advisor reviewed an agreement between Indonesia
and Afghanistan on the promotion of investment and trade between the two nations. Indonesia has
successfully implemented production-sharing agreements and the MoMP hopes that future cooperation with the nation can lead to a better understanding of how to pilot this type of agreement in Afghanistan.
Amendment Planning for New Minerals Law Continues. MIDAS advisors have launched an effort
to gather ideas from a broad range of stakeholders on how to improve the minerals law. A catalog of
proposed amendments was recently reviewed by a leadership committee of the ministry. The aim is to
prepare a comprehensive set of amendments that have strong support for adoption. This finalized list of amendments will be sent to the Cabinet of Ministers for their review and approval.
Initial Draft of Contract Oversight Regulation Completed. MIDAS advisors, working closely
with the MoMP Legal Directorate, prepared an initial draft of a regulation on budding and contract
oversight. The regulation will specify procedures for conducting tenders and bidding in a more clear, fair and transparent way.
Wrapping Up Jabal Seraj Cement Contract. The negotiations for the Jabal Seraj Cement Contract
have been completed with the private firm. However, certain issues remain including the issue of “dead
rent” and the amount required for the performance bond. The contract will soon be submitted to the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) for its approval.
Research on Mining Fees for Financial Regulation. A MIDAS advisor conducted extensive
research into the scale and magnitude of license fees, surface fees, and other forms of fees charged by
the national mining entities in a broad range of countries in Central Asia, the Americas, Africa, Europe
and the South Pacific. This research will help to set and justify fees which will be prescribed in the regulations currently in development at the MoMP.
Terms of Reference for Legal Advisor Positions. The head of the Legal Directorate requested
MIDAS support to develop the terms of reference for two legal advisor positions to be funded by the
World Bank.
MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT (June 2015) 6
Support to Write Annual Report for Legal Directorate. A MIDAS advisor supported the Legal
Directorate to develop its annual report. This report will be submitted to the Afghan Independent
Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission.
Model Contract for Small-Scale Mining. MIDAS advisors and MoMP legal staff have completed and
submitted a model contract for small-scale mining in compliance with the new minerals law. The model
contract was created based on international best practices. The contract will now be reviewed by the various departments within the Ministry.
COMPONENT II: CAPACITY BUILDING AND MINERAL
EXPLORATION
Herat Reconnaissance Trip Completed. A week-long trip to Herat was completed to examine
three potential mineral deposits including Sangilyan Barite, Char Olang Gypsum, and a limestone
outcrop near the Herat airport. The mission was undertaken by AGS and MIDAS geologists to identify
new exploration targets. The work was done taking in account the new geographical and commodity priorities of the MoMP Minister.
Sangilyan Barite Project. The
Sangilyan Barite Project is located
approximately 50 kilometers
north-northwest from the city of
Herat. Old records indicate that
exploration mapping and drilling,
consisting of 51 drill holes, was
conducted between 1972 and 1973
by the Soviets. Only four of the
drill hole collars and IDs were identified on the recent visit.
The barite vein mineralisation was
sub-vertically dipping, with
thickness ranging from 0.4 to 6.0 m
and length from 70 to 1,000 m.
Based on drilling intercepts, some of the veins were traced to a depth of at least 120 m.
Economic mineralization was reported to be confined to the volcaniclastic units. The visiting
MIDAS team leader measures dip of a drillable collar
Typical massiave textured Barite outcrop Coarse cystallized textured Barite outcrop
MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT (June 2015) 7
MIDAS technical team has confirmed the presence of the relatively exposed barite but with obvious signs of surface mining. Traces of collapsed tunnel entrances were barely recognizable.
The barite veins are structurally controlled, showing a characteristic pinch and swell geometry
throughout. Textures are generally massive but also coarse crystalline in places. Five (5) barite
samples were collected from different outcrop locations. They will be submitted for BaSO4
content determination and learn the amount of mineral impurities present. A number of mined
barite stockpiles can be seen in
various parts of the area.
The old Soviet mapping was
based on compass and tape
traversing and therefore largely
inaccurate. The proposed
geological mapping, aided by
differential global positioning
system (DGPS) equipment, will
be aimed at getting an accurate
survey, so that the vein surface
layout and geometry can be
plotted precisely using GIS
software. During the mapping
activity, AGS geologists will
receive hands-on training.
Likewise, the 51 holes that Soviets drilled are considered significant. However, these drill holes
will need to be accurately surveyed and plotted. The purpose of the proposed diamond drilling will be to confirm the barite intercepts by twinning and infilling some of existing holes.
A two-stage exploration program, comprising detailed geologic mapping and diamond drilling,
has been proposed as part of the draft Scope of Work. A review of the SOW is in progress.
Sangilyan Barite Project Location
Typical Barite stockpile
MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT (June 2015) 8
Char Olang Gypsum Project. Approximately 4 km southeast of the Sangilyan Barite Project
area, an artisanal gypsum mine was also
investigated. No historical record is
available on this gypsum deposit where
artisanal mining has occurred and is
probably still active. Several shallow pits,
up to 5m deep, marked the top of a flat
hilltop, just to the west of a south-
draining dry creek. The gypsum
exposures are relatively flat-dipping (5-
15 degrees, dipping to 200 degrees
azimuth) beds intercalated with
siltstone/mudstone. The deposit belongs
to the Pliocene to Mid-Miocene sedimentary unit.
MIDAS advisors found a very brief
reference to the deposit in a forty-year
old document that suggests that there
are two main gypsum-bearing beds
although only one of these deposits was
quickly investigated. One deposit
extends approximately 5,000m and 30m
thick, with gypsum lenses measuring 0.2
to 2.0m thick. The other is about 1500m long and up to 20m thick.
Due to its proximity to the barite
deposit and possibly its potentially
significant size, Char Olang has been added to the proposed geological mapping and drilling program.
Gypsum outcrop
Field team explores Gypsum site
Gypsum project location map
MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT (June 2015) 9
Limestone Prospect. Initially, the plan was to visit a limestone outcrop about 55 km east
north east of Herat, based on USGS’ identified deposit types. However, the team was warned
about the area being unsecure. An alternative limestone outcrop was chosen due to its
proximity to the Herat airport. A geological investigation of this outcrop, located about 8 kms
west of the airport, however, proved disappointing with the quality of the limestone deposit
turned out to be poor.
Support to Senior Leadership of the MoMP. During the month of May, MIDAS advisors provided
the following assistance:
Mines and Petroleum Management Advisory Council (MPMAC). MIDAS advisors
helped organize and facilitate the first MPMAC meeting on June 14th. The all-day meeting was
very productive with a high turnout. A MIDAS advisor has been asked to help support the
planning of future meetings.
Task Force on Precious/Semi-Precious Stone Value Chains. A MIDAS advisor was
recruited to the taskforce and asked to create an action plan for building strong value chains in
the precious/semi-precious stone sector. The advisor is working with the Ministry of Commerce
and Industry. The MoMP is focused on the mining side of the value chain while the Ministry of
Commerce is focused on the sales and final product side. The taskforce meets quarterly, and the
next meeting is scheduled for mid-September 2015.
Master of Science in Mining Management at the American University of Afghanistan
(AUAF). MIDAS senior leadership met with the Vice-Chancellor and Communications
Director of AUAF, to discuss outstanding issues that needed to be resolved to start the
program. Most of the issues were settled and it is hoped that the program will launch early next
year.
Investment Promotion Directorate
Mineral Sector Development Directorate (MSDD) Restructured. As a result of the
new MoMP organizational structure, the MSDD was renamed to the Investment
Promotion and Marketing Directorate (IPMD) and the structure of the department was
analyzed. MIDAS advisors were asked to create new job descriptions for each position
within the directorate as well as write a rationale behind the creation of the directorate.
Brochure Presentation Initiative. After printing the eighteen brochures edited by the
MIDAS project, a MIDAS advisor started a new initiative where on IPMD staff member
will present a brochure to the rest of the staff on weekly basis. The aim is to improve
the communications and presentation skills of the IPMD staff. It will also provide the
staff with an opportunity to learn about the mineral deposits and mines in Afghanistan.
So far, four employees have presented with positive feedback. The activity will continue
until all of the brochures are covered.
Investment Promotion Committee. The IPMD is working to establishing an
investment promotion committee in the ministry. This committee would be comprised
of key directorates of the ministry and would help to prioritize extractives projects to
tender.
Construction Material Tendering Documents Complete. A MIDAS advisor finalized the
construction material (sand, gravel and mountain rock) tendering documents and presented it
before the steering committee. The final approval has also been given by ministerial committee.
These documents will be used when apply for the development of construction materials. This
MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT (June 2015) 10
work, as well as two other model application packages, are being worked on in cooperation with the MoMP Legal Directorate.
TAPI Presentation. A MIDAS advisor prepared a presentation for the Deputy Minister of
Policy and Programs on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline in advance
of the deputy minister’s trip to meet the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Minister.
ArcGIS Training for AGS Resumed. MIDAS teamed with the World Bank-funded Capacity Building
for Afghan Geological Survey II (CBAGS II) project to train geologists and engineers from the AGS on
the use of ArcGIS 10.2. The training will be suspended during July while the AGS staff leave Kabul for field assignments. Classes will resume at the completion of the 2015 field season.
MoMP Internship Program Fills Gaps in Ministry. The MIDAS-funded Internship program
supports fourteen interns in the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum. The goal of the program, launched in
March 2014, is to provide the opportunity for recent university graduates to gain work experience in the civil service and provide fresh skills and outlook to the ministry.
Legal Directorate Interns. The interns prepared, filed and managed legal and official documents.
They helped to maintain mining contracts and natural fertilizer sale procedures as well as provided opinion to resolve conflicts from mining contracts.
Strategic Unit interns. The interns typed statements on industrial policy. They also prepared a presentation and minutes for the first Mining Advisory Council meeting.
Policy Directorate Interns. The interns collected information related to the 25 days report from
Aynak project, Mineral Sector Development and Cadastre Directorates. Provide support on
security plan preparation and a presentation about the objectives, vision and policy of MoMP for
Alberoni University students. Collated information about quarterly income of the fiscal year to Central Statistical Organization (CSO). They also updated the Zarkashan report.
Hydrocarbon Sector Development Directorate Interns. The interns gathered information about the
Extractive Industry Development framework, made a list of donors and created an investor’s presentation for private mining companies.
Mineral Sector Development Directorate Interns. The interns read and summarized incoming letters,
assisted in the preparation of tender documents for small scale mining in Afghanistan and market research for mineral resources.
Executive Department Interns. The interns organized and maintained files and records, scheduling
meetings and appointments for Deputy Minister, and prepared correspondence, reports, and presentations.
COMPONENT III: MINING-RELATED ENTERPRISE
DEVELOPMENT
Afghan Mining Enterprise Initiative (AMEI). Training sessions for the small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs) of the AMEI continued during the month of June. Staff from the MOMP’s Artisanal and Small Mining Directorate also attended. The following trainings were delivered:
Basic Accounting & Internal Control. The basic accounting and internal control training
session took place as a follow up on the business plan development training. The session focused
on internal auditing, basic accounting principles, and their importance for finance controls in a
firm. MIDAS trainers emphasized the importance of having a strong financial system in place to
MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT (June 2015) 11
manage the expansion of work if they plan to partner with international firms in the mining
sector in Afghanistan or abroad. The businesses learned they need to have their financial
statements audited so that investors can review their financial practices. The firms also learned
about international accounting standards such as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
(GAPP). Most of the firms lack such a financial infrastructure and showed interest to develop
one in the future.
One firm shared their experience using financial management software such as QuickBooks and
how it allows them to print financial statements and review expenditures, revenue, payables, and
more. Such tools will make the AMEI firms more compliant with international finance standards and show international investors that they are serious about partnering for business.
Basic Budgeting. A follow session to the basic accounting and internal control session was
held on the basics of budgeting. The session introduced the concepts of budget planning,
execution, and development as well as discussing common errors in the process. A budget is a
financial map that companies can use to guide their activities. It shows how much they can
spend, when they can spend and how much revenue they may generate. Knowing these details
can help the AMEI firms prioritize their activities to meet their goals under tighter cash
restrictions. MIDAS advisors also discussed the difference between activity-based budgeting and
program-based budgeting, either of which could be needed to respond to tenders. Abdul Latif,
from Natural Stone Company, commented that a good manager uses a budget to prevent overspending, save time, and improve transparency.
Community Development Agreement (CDA) Package Reviewed. MIDAS advisors worked
closely with the MoMP Cadastre Directorate to gather input for the development of a model CDA.
Discussions with ministry employees during some of the MIDAS provincial workshops also brought some other gaps to light that need to be included in the CDA:
Local Employment. The mining company should facilitate jobs for local community. If the
community lacks capacity, they should be trained in order to get involved.
Social Development. There should be more focus on the specifics for mining firms to
develop schools, clinics, roads, power and other infrastructure. Local schools should be funded
by the mining company for the life of the mine .
Land. Many mining communities engaged by the MIDAS project have expressed the importance
of protecting their land, which very often provides their livelihood. These issues should be
settled within the CDA.
Security. Security is one of the biggest threats to a mining project in Afghanistan. A mechanism
should be introduced to utilize community leaders to help identify security threats.
Five Percent Revenue Distribution Case Study. MIDAS advisors continued to work on this case
study. The minerals law mentions that five percent of revenue from mining projects should be
distributed to local communities. This research paper will provide the basis for how to implement that
measure. The paper includes a literature review, interviews, questionnaire and sessions with different
relevant stakeholders. Three countries that have implemented a similar structure will be reviewed (Chile, Cambodia, and Timor Leste).
MIDAS advisors met the Director of the Budget Department at the Ministry of Finance to gain
knowledge about budget development and distribution. There will be close collaboration with the
Ministry of Finance on the preparation of this paper.
Community Engagement Training Package. MIDAS advisors worked on a community
engagement training package which will include sessions on: the participatory planning process,
MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT (June 2015) 12
community development agreements, and Mining Development Councils (MDCs). The team is
developing the contents and will work with the relevant stakeholders within the ministry to refine the
trainings. The community engagement package includes:
Participatory Planning Process
Community Development Agreement
Mining Development Council
PLANS FOR NEXT MONTH
Component I
Continue to develop technical, financial, and contract oversight regulations for the minerals law.
Continue to develop model mining contracts for Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining.
Continue to develop new amendments to improve the mining law.
Continue to develop agreement with Indonesia on investment cooperation.
Plan with Columbia University to review the Aynak contract.
Component II
Review work plans with MIDAS leadership and security on the following proposed projects:
o Ariv Valley Polymetallic Project, Panshjer Province – this area was visited by MIDAS team
in 2014 where anomalous Ag, Au, values were returned
o Saighan Molybdenum Project, Bamyan Province – a combined AGS/MIDAS team visited
the area in 2014, where a single molybdenum-mineralized quartz vein outcrop was
identified within a 15 square kilometer area.
o Ras Gold Project (USGS’ Bamyan1 AOI), Wardak Province – this prospect is one of the
areas of interest identified by USGS through the Hyperspectral mapping survey (HyMap)
of the entire land area of Afghanistan. An area of clay-carbonate alteration was
interpreted from the HyMap, suggesting a possible epithermal / carbonate springs type
gold+copper deposit.
o Andkhui Salt Project, Faryab Province - one of the country’s strategic mineral target
forming part of the Minister’s priority projects.
Review and finalize draft Drilling Scope of Work (SOW) for the Herat projects.
Create first draft of business plan for the IPMD directorate.
Complete first draft of small-scale mining tendering documents.
Component III
Re-launch on-the-job training with Communications and Public Affairs Directorate (training was
suspended during Ramadan per MoMP request).
Continue to work on CDA package with the Cadastre Directorate.
Plan gender training workshop in Mazar with MoMP Gender Unit. The two-day workshop is
planned for August 2015 where a trainer from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs will provide
gender awareness and quality training to MoMP provincial employees.
Deliver additional workshops for the AMEI on quality control and assurance, ISO compliance,
and human resources management.
Develop 5% revenue distribution case study.
Plan community engagement training for provincial workshops.
MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT (June 2015) 13
PROJECT ADMINISTRATION
Security
All operations were conducted without incident during the month of June. MIDAS conducted 268
vehicle movements including a week-long geology reconnaissance mission to Herat. In addition, an
overland mission was conducted to meet the Wardak Provincial Governor to plan for a potential
mission to a site in the mountains on the border of Wardak and Bayman Provinces.
The security threat level in Kabul remained at high critical level as insurgent activities continued to
target GIRoA and International Organizations, including several high profile attacks in Kabul.
The Afghan National Security Council has banned all weapons shipments via air travel within Afghanistan
and this has had a significant negative affect on our ability to support operations in the field, while at the
same time greatly increasing our operational costs.
MIDAS is working with USAID to hire an additional EMT / Paramedic to support the team’s field
missions.