The Afghan government has awarded iron ore mining rights to an Indian-government backed consortium.

Mines officials say four blocks at Hajigak, the country’s largest iron deposit, were awarded to a group led by the Steel Authority of India.

A fourth block at the deposit was awarded to Canada’s Kilo Goldmines Limited.

The Hajigak iron ore deposit is located in the mountainous Bamyan province, about 130 kilometers west of the capital, Kabul.