Indian, Chinese firms emerge front-runners for Afghan mining, oil deals new

Reuters reported that Indian and Chinese companies have emerged the front-runners to bag mining and oil exploration deals in war-torn Afghanistan, the country's mining minister yesterday said.

Two Indian companies have emerged as the most potential companies, among a short list of six to win a contract for the vast Hajigak iron ore project.

One of the bidders is an independent company and one a consortium that includes steel magnate LN Mittal's family.

An oil and gas contract in northern Afghanistan's Amu Darya field will most likely go to a Chinese bidder in early December.