Emerald extraction begins in Panjshir

JALALABAD (Khaama Press): Extractions of Emerald mines in Panjshir province have officially begun, according to a statement from the provincial government on Tuesday.
The provincial head for mines and petroleum, Mohammad Qasim Amiri, said during an official ceremony attended by government representatives, tribal elders, and religious scholars that emeralds are found on mountains up to 4,000 meters above sea level, where miners must ascend on foot and use essential equipment to extract the emeralds. Locals welcomed the initiative and noted that the extraction of mines like emeralds would result in work prospects for individuals. The Panjshir emerald from Afghanistan, illegally mined for decades because of conflict and instability, is now well-liked by the international business community as a high-quality, valuable stone.
Meanwhile, the provincial governor, Hafiz Mohammad Aga Hakim, said during the ceremony that the Taliban authorities would do their best to improve the people’s livelihood by launching such initiatives and building infrastructure.
In addition to many other minerals, Afghanistan is home to approximately 1,400 mineral fields that are rich in minerals like barite, chromite, coal, copper, gold, iron ore, lead, natural gas, petroleum, precious and semi-precious stones, salt, sulphur, lithium, talc, and zinc. Gemstones include top-notch rubies, lapis lazuli, red garnet, and emeralds.
The current de facto authorities have signed several mines and mineral deposits with national and international companies to extract them, including coal, iron, and precious minerals.j