Mes Aynak

The word Mes Aynak (مس عينک) literally means "little source of copper"; mis (مس) is "copper", while aynak (عينک) is a diminutive form of ayn (عين), which means "source".

Statue of the Buddha, Mes Aynak, 3rd-6th century CE.

As its name suggests, the presence of copper at Mes Aynak has been known about for some time, while the site's archaeological wealth had been discovered by Russian and Afghan geologists in 1973–4.[2]

Mes Aynak was at the peak of its prosperity between the 5th and 7th centuries AD. Coins of the Alchon Hun rulers Khingila and Mehama were found here, which confirms the Alchon presence in this area around 450-500 CE.[3]

A period of slow decline began in the 8th Century, and the settlement was finally abandoned 200 years later.[4]

Statue of a donator. Polychrome stucco on a clay core. Mes Aynak, 3rd - 6th century CE

On 17 May 2020, the Taliban attacked a security checkpoint near the Mes Aynak mine. Eight security guards were killed and five others were wounded.[5][6]

In November 2007, a 30-year lease was granted for the copper mine to the China Metallurgical Group (MCC) for US$3 billion, making it the biggest foreign investment and private business venture in Afghanistan's history.[7][8] Allegations have persisted that the then-minister of mines obstructed the contracting process and accepted a large bribe to eliminate the other companies involved in the bid.

The Afghan Mining Ministry estimates that the mine holds some six million tons of copper (5.52 million metric tons). The mine is expected to be worth tens of billions of dollars, and to generate jobs and economic activity for the country, but threatens the site's archaeological remains.[9][10] The site is accessed via a 15 kilometers (9.3 mi) motorable track from the surfaced road between Kabul and Gardez.[11] The mining lease holders propose to build a railway to serve the copper mine.[12]

As of July 2012, MCC has not developed an environmental impact plan, and has remained secretive about feasibility studies, and the plan regarding the opening and closing of the mine, as well as any guarantees contained in the contract.[13] International experts have warned that the project, and other similar projects in Afghanistan, could be threatened because MCC has not fulfilled promises made to the Afghan government, such as the lack of provision of proper housing for relocated villagers. Other investments that have yet to be fulfilled include a railway, a 400-megawatt power plant and a coal mine.[14] A report by Global Witness, an independent advocacy group that focuses on natural resource exploitation, said there was a "major gap" between the government's promises of transparency and its follow-through.[14][15]

Newly excavated Buddhist stupa.

The archeologists' camp sits beneath a monastery.

Archeologists excavating the monasteries.

Archaeologists believe that Mes Aynak is a major historical heritage site. It has been called "one of the most important points along the Silk Road" by French archaeologist, Philippe Marquis.[16] There are thought to be 19 separate archaeological sites in the valley including two small forts, a citadel, four fortified monasteries, several Buddhist stupas and a Zoroastrian fire temple, as well as ancient copper workings, smelting workshops, a mint, and miners habitations.[4] In addition to the Buddhist monasteries and other structures from the Buddhist era that have already been identified, Mes Aynak also holds the remains of prior civilizations likely going back as far as the 3rd century BC. Historians are particularly excited by the prospect of learning more about the early science of metallurgy and mining by exploring this site. It is known to contain coins, glass, and the tools for making these, going back thousands of years.

All of this historical material is in imminent danger of destruction by the mining endeavor. In response to negative reports in the press comparing the Chinese mining company to those who destroyed the Buddhas of Bamiyan, a plan for minimal archaeological excavation was put in place. This plan still foresees the destruction of the site and everything still buried beneath it, but it does allow for the removal of whatever artifacts can be carried away by a small archaeological team led by DAFA, the French archaeological mission to Afghanistan.

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  Mes Aynak Stupa
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  Mes Aynak monastery overview
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  Mes Aynak monastery overview
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  Mes Aynak monastery structure
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  Mes Aynak north overview
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  Mes Aynak monastery structure
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  Mes Aynak overview
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  Mes Aynak hill top excavation
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  Mes Aynak hill top excavation 2
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  Mes Aynak overview East hill
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  Mes Aynak hill top excavation workers
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  Mes Aynak overview East 2

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  Drachm, Vahram IV, Silver, Mes Aynak, 388–399 CE.
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  Head of a donator, polychromed stucco, Mes Aynak, 3rd-6th century CE
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  King and his warriors, relief, Mes Aynak, 3rd-6th century CE
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  Statue of bodhisattva Śäkyamuni, Schist. Mes Aynak, 3rd-5th century CE

A documentary titled Saving Mes Aynak,[25] directed by Brent E. Huffman, tells the story of the archaeological site, as well as the dangerous environment the mine has created for archaeologists, Chinese workers, and local Afghans. The film follows several main characters, including Philippe Marquis, a French archaeologist leading emergency conservation efforts; Abdul Qadeer Temore, an Afghan archaeologist at the Afghan National Institute of Archaeology; Liu Wenming, a manager for the China Metallurgical Group Corporation; and Laura Tedesco, an American archaeologist working for the U.S. State Department.

In July 2014 it was announced that Saving Mes Aynak will be completed by the end of 2014, and is being made with Kartemquin Films.[26]

The documentary Saving Mes Aynak premiered at the 2014 IDFA film festival in Amsterdam and in the US at the 2015 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival.

In April 2015, Brent E. Huffman announced a plan to raise awareness of Mes Aynak through a #SaveMesAynak Global Screening Day and a fundraising campaign.[27]

In June 2015, the film was offered for free streaming within Afghanistan.[28]

• Mundigak — archaeological site in Kandahar Province
• Hadda — archaeological site in Nangarhar Province
• Surkh Kotal — archaeological site in Baghlan Province
• Mehrgarh — archaeological site in Bolan
• Sheri Khan Tarakai — archaeological site in Bannu
• Kharwar District
• Buddhism in Afghanistan

• Lerner, Judith A. (2018). "A prolegomenon to the study of pottery stamps from Mes Aynak". Afghanistan. 1 (2): 239–256. doi:10.3366/afg.2018.0016. S2CID 194927542.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mes Aynak.

• A restored Buddha from Mes Aynak
• Mes Aynak on Global Heritage Network
• Ancient Buddhas, Modern Peril
• Saving Mes Aynak website
• Saving Mes Aynak documentary on Al Jazeera
• "Rescuing Mes Aynak". Hannah Bloch, photographs by Simon Norfolk. National Geographic