Construction is underway on a major iron production facility in Afghanistan’s northern Samangan province, a $50 million investment project expected to significantly expand the country’s industrial capacity and job creation.

According to officials, the plant is being developed across five phases on a 240,000-square-meter site and is scheduled to become operational within the next two to three months.

Once completed, the facility will be the first iron products manufacturing plant in Samangan province, with a projected daily production capacity of 1,500 tons. The plant will manufacture a wide range of iron products, including rebar, girders, shovels, pickaxes, and railway tracks.

Speaking on the project’s progress, Sayed Jawid Sadat, a representative of the iron production and smelting company, said construction work is advancing steadily across multiple phases.

“The first and second phases are more than 50 percent complete. The third phase has also progressed by more than 50 percent, and work is continuing smoothly,” he said, adding that the facility is expected to begin operations within the next two to two and a half months.

The project currently employs more than 100 workers during its construction phase. Once fully operational, officials expect it to generate nearly 1,000 direct jobs, contributing to local employment and industrial development in the region.

Workers at the site have welcomed the investment, urging further domestic and foreign investment in Afghanistan’s industrial sector to support economic growth and job creation.

“It is a source of pride for us, the government, and the people of Afghanistan when investors bring their capital into the country,” said worker Nasrullah.

Another worker, Shir Khan Haqmal, echoed the sentiment, calling on investors to support domestic industries so that more employment opportunities can be created for families in need.

Officials from the Afghanistan Iron Smelters Association say the country has now reached a level of self-sufficiency in iron production, supported by a growing number of factories across the sector.

However, they have raised concerns over potential market saturation and competition, urging authorities to carefully regulate new licenses for iron production facilities.

“We believe that in sectors where self-sufficiency has already been achieved, additional factories may lead to unhealthy competition,” said Abdul Nasir Rashtia, Chief Executive of the association.

According to official figures, nearly 50 iron smelting and production factories are currently operating across Afghanistan. Together, they produce approximately 6,000 tons of iron products daily and provide employment for around 30,000 people.

Officials say the new Samangan facility reflects a broader push toward domestic industrial growth and reduced reliance on imports, particularly in the construction materials sector. (ILKHA)