Emeralds from Panjshir Sold for $471,000 in Latest Auction
In the most recent emerald auction in Panjshir province, eleven boxes of emeralds weighing a total of 8,593 carats were sold on Tuesday for $471,650. This auction, the twelfth of its kind, was held in the presence of local officials, media representatives, a group of miners, and over 150 local traders.
The Taliban-run Ministry of Mines and Petroleum announced that a Russian trader purchased 318 carats of emeralds at the event for $2,000. Despite the high number of traders present, the prices paid for the precious stones were below their true global market value.
According to information provided by the Taliban administration, only 10% of the revenue from this auction goes to the ministry, while 90% is paid directly to the miners. However, the lack of transparency in managing these natural resources has raised concerns among local residents and economic activists.
Panjshir, a mountainous province rich in precious stones in northeastern Afghanistan, has long attracted interest from domestic and foreign investors for its emeralds. Yet, despite extensive mining activity, the Taliban administration has not addressed development needs or financial transparency in these areas. The absence of independent oversight over the sales process and the small share of income benefiting local people remain contentious issues.
