The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum reports that since the beginning of 1403 (solar year), 40,000 carats of emeralds worth over $1.8 million have been sold through 12 bidding processes.
Hamayoon Afghan, the ministry’s spokesperson, assured the transparency of the bidding process, stating: “Since the start of 1403, 40,000 carats of emeralds, legally extracted, have been sold through 12 auctions. The total value of these emeralds is approximately $1.85 million.”
The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, emphasizing the importance of Afghan emeralds, has proposed the establishment of domestic and international markets for the sale and processing of this precious stone.
Jan Aqa Naveed, the chamber’s spokesperson, remarked: “Afghan emeralds are globally renowned gemstones, particularly abundant in Panjshir. We recommend creating markets for their purchase, sale, processing, and packaging within Afghanistan to preserve the country’s name on this product.”
Meanwhile, economic experts stress the need for professional extraction and processing of Afghanistan’s mineral resources.
Abdul Zahoor Madaber, an economic analyst, stated: “Afghanistan is extremely rich in mineral resources and gemstones. Proper extraction and processing would increase employment and benefit the Afghan people.”
According to the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, 600 licenses for emerald mining have been issued so far, providing jobs for approximately 16,000 people.
