This project partially funded! Details pending. We need 50% of the numbers listed below.

Angle Iron Rail Project

The Angle Iron Rail Project is spearheaded by Jim Rentfrow.

Help to set up better mining operations in Kunduz, Nuristan or another gem producing region. Jim Rentfrow knows mine owners in these regions. The mines are all being dug by hand labor and through the use of improvised explosives. Explosives are illegal in Afghanistan so the use of old munitions is the common practice. This project proposes to fund a rudimentary rail system to help increase production. Right now everything is being carried out from the back of the mine to the front by hand, back breaking work. This slows down the work being done considerably. Rail systems in coal and peridot mines in Pakistan use angle iron tracks which are extremely inexpensive and easy to acquire in Kabul.

Materials for the rail system cost $36 USD for 5 meters of rail. Many metal shops exist in Kabul due to the current construction boom in the city. There are various sizes to choose from as well.

One of the men Jim works with at ASMED helped to weld these systems in place in Pakistan. He currently makes about $45 per day at his job. He could be hired for a few days to help set up or train locals on how to bend the metal and weld the sections together. Wood, metal and nails for the actual trolleys would cost in the $100 per car price range. Transportation to the mountain would be the toughest part of the project. This could equal the total cost of materials if not exceed it. This is why we should try to find a mine close to Kabul to do a test run.

This project budget is $1500

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