RESAF: Resource exploitation and antique mining in Afghanistan

• Applicant: Privatdozent Dr. Nikolaus Boroffka
• Subject Area: Prehistory and World Archaeology ; Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
• Term: from 2017 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 362912084

The ore and mineral wealth of Afghanistans has long been known and has been exploited since the Stone Age. Special interest was accorded to Lapislazuli, as wel as to the metals tin, gold and copper. The significance of these resources and the role of Afghanistan in the scientific discussion has for decades been waiting for reliable proof and is therefore highly hypothetical. Verified data is available only for neighbouring countries at present and the role of Afghanistan as pivotal area in the raw material provider in early bronze metallurgy has remained an urgent desiderate in research.During preparatory research so far an early silver exploitation of the 3rd-2nd Millennium BC in the Panjshir-Valley and first chemical and isotopic characterisations for the copper depsoits of Mes Aynak and Farinjal could successfully be started. This work also demonstrates, that in spite of the difficult situation important new results can be achieved.The aim of the proposed project is to extend and improve the database on archaeometallurgy and mining. Fieldwork in the country is planned with a main scope of collecting ore samples, as well as the analysis and sampling of objects in the museums, beginning with the national Museum in Kabul. Jointly with the CEZA Mannheim and the DBM Bochum the samples are to be analysed in order to characterise the deposits in detail and to classify the archaeological finds in their material composition and cultural affinity. New knowledge on prehistoric resource exploitation and distribution networks should result from this, which will allow placing Afghanistan in a wider context.An essential component of this classification is the introduction of the gained data into a Geo-Information-System, by which information on various aspects can easily be accessed. Partly this GIS has already been constructed by the DAI, but newer fieldwork results with numerous sites are still missing, as well as the obtaining and interpreting of satellite images (especially CORONA).The documentation and protection of endangered cultural heritage is an important part of the project. Mining is not seen as only a technical monument, but is also always considered in identity building - among miners there is a global special solidarity. Besides the destructions due to armed conflict, in Afghanistan modern improvements and measures for infrastructure put heritage monuments at risk. Modern mining activity not only endangers the ancient works, but also the complementary settlements and cemeteries, as may be clearly observed in the case of Mes Aynak. Modern study and documentation contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage.Besides our own work in the field and in the museums the schooling and training of, especially younger, Afghan colleagues is of fundamental importance for sustainable heritage conservation. Joint workshops, publications and exhibitions are planned in order to achieve this.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants