The New York Times (see image and clips below) reported Sunday that US geologists have discovered nearly $1 trillion of untapped mineral deposits, including iron, copper, cobalt, gold, and lithium. While this is potentially much needed positive game-changing news for the Afghan economy, the NYT cites the cognizance of American officials fearing a ‘double-edged impact’ of the find, referring, for instance, to (1) the possibility of exacerbated instability as the Taliban may elevate its efforts to try and take control of the country, (2) a possible run-in with resource-hungry China, and (3) a lack of mining and basic overall infrastructure (including human capital in both government and industry) in Afghanistan necessary to exploit the deposits — creating the likelihood that meaningful proceeds from any finds are years, if not a decade or two, out. Nevertheless, should Afghanistan somehow manage to arrive at even a modest level of sustained stability, the wheels of commerce will begin to roll and hopefully bring days of ever more peace and prosperity to an impoverished, war-torn country.