Taliban Deploys 1,000 New Forces to Protect Badakhshan Gold Mines
The Taliban-appointed governor of Badakhshan has announced that, with the approval of Hebatullah Akhundzada, one thousand new fighters will be deployed to the province to take responsibility for protecting gold mining companies. According to him, this force has been created to secure investments and regulate the mining process and is expected to begin its activities soon.
Ismail Ghaznavi, in an interview, stated that increased investment in Badakhshan’s mines requires organized management and security provision. He added that, for this purpose, a special force for protecting mining areas has been proposed, and technical arrangements are underway.
This decision comes amidst concerns from some Badakhshan residents about the lack of transparency in contracts and the excessive extraction of gold. They claim current mining activities are causing environmental damage and harming natural resources, with no clear share allocated to local communities.
The Taliban-appointed governor also emphasized that revenue generated from the mines belongs to the Taliban administration but promised that these funds will be spent on public welfare projects, especially in Badakhshan. However, no specific details have been provided on how the revenue will be used or the oversight mechanisms.
In recent months, tensions have been reported between local residents and mining companies affiliated with the Taliban administration in some parts of Badakhshan. Underground mining expansion, particularly gold, has accelerated in the provinces of Badakhshan and Takhar, with hundreds of companies active in northern Afghanistan.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has announced that about 100,000 people are employed directly and indirectly in Badakhshan’s gold mines. According to the ministry, these activities are taking place in the districts of Shahr-e Bozorg, Yawan, Kohistan, Raghistan, Khwahan, and Arghanj Khwah, districts that hold the majority of Badakhshan’s gold resources.
