Challenge 1: Coal Supply

A reliable and constant supply of quality coal will remain uncertain as long as coal mining is carried out more-or-less illegally (without authorization from the Ministry of Mining). The fuelling itself requires also further investigation, in order to optimise the application of coal (possibly other energy sources) in internal and external fuelling. The project has identified a well equipped laboratory, able to provide all necessary physical and chemical tests.

Challenge 2: Around-the-Year Production

In Afghanistan, the most challenging aspect of VSBK brick-making is the reliable availability of a committed workforce. VSBKs have the disadvantage of needing skilled jobs. A number of permanent labourers have to be retained and this is difficult because brick-making is wrongly considered as seasonal business – in the Kabul area in particular – where only 7-8 months of the year are considered as suitable for brick making. Experience with “Chinese kilns” (VSBK first generation) – practiced in Herat, but also in Kabul – has proven the opposite, with year round brick making being demonstrated. What differs in the case of VSBK brick making is the need for a far-seeing and inventive business approach. In return, this provides the opportunity for social improvement of the labour force, as experience in Nepal and India has proven. In the case of Kabul, a year round production with the VSBK technology may well compensate for the current economic disadvantages during the limited BTK season (June – December), because brick prices rise significantly between December and May (+25 – 40%, even +75% in February, see graph).