Chinese engineers and Taliban government commence copper mining at Afghanistan's Mes Aynak site, after a 16-year delay.

Chinese engineers and Taliban government begin mining copper ore in Afghanistan's Mes Aynak site, the world's second-largest deposit, after a 16-year delay due to conflict. China's $3bn deal for mining rights was signed in 2008. The project is expected to create 3,000 direct jobs and 10,000 indirect jobs, while also providing economic benefits for the region.