Race to save Afghanistan’s Buddhist treasures
Archaeologists look to save one of nation’s richest historical sites amid Chinese plans to mine for copper.
Published On 20 May 2013
Archaeologists just south of Kabul are racing to preserve one of the richest Buddhist historical sites ever found.
The ancient monasteries and statues in Mes Aynak are under threat from a Chinese company which plans to develop the area in order to tap into the world’s second largest copper deposit.
Many fear the $3bn mining contract, Afghanistan’s biggest commercial deal, will lead to the destruction of thousands-of-years old heritage sites.
Al Jazeera’s Jennifer Glasse reports from Mes Aynak.
Source: Al Jazeera