Official Extraction of Bairooj Gemstones Begins in Panjshir under Taliban Administration
The Directorate of Information and Culture of Panjshir, under the Taliban administration, has announced the official commencement of Bairooj gemstone extraction in the provincial capital, Bazarak. The operation is expected to soon start in the districts of Anaba and Abshar as well.
The directorate’s statement notes that this initiative aims to create job opportunities, strengthen the local economy, and ensure the proper utilization of natural resources. According to the source, ten Bairooj mines have been identified in the Anaba, Abshar, and Bazarak districts.
Based on the information provided, these mines were previously exploited on a trial basis, and the evaluation results of the samples were positive, paving the way for official extraction to begin. Mawlawi Mohammad Qasim Amiri, head of Mines and Petroleum in Panjshir, stated that the Bairooj mining in Bazarak commenced after completing legal procedures and obtaining an official license.
Officials added that the legal process for issuing licenses for Bairooj mines in Anaba and Abshar districts has also been completed, and practical extraction work in these areas will start soon.
According to released data, in addition to gold, emerald, and Bairooj, seventeen other types of gemstones have been identified in Panjshir. Panjshir is one of Afghanistan’s mountainous provinces, whose mines, especially emerald, have played a significant role in local trade in recent years.
Several residents of Panjshir have stated that mining activities, particularly emerald extraction, have boosted local markets and increased commercial activities in recent years. They emphasized that continued proper extraction could provide employment opportunities for youth and positively impact family economic conditions.
However, economic experts continually stress the importance of transparency in contracts, revenue management, and oversight of mining operations under Taliban administration. Mines are considered national assets, and how they are utilized directly influences the country’s economy and the future of its people.
