Official Extraction of Garnet and Tourmaline Begins in Panjshir
The Directorate of Mines and Petroleum of Panjshir has announced the official commencement of mining for two precious minerals, garnet and schorl tourmaline, in several districts of the province. According to the Directorate, garnet extraction is actively underway in Anaba district, while schorl tourmaline is being mined in the districts of Hissa-e-Awal, Dara, and Bazarak, the provincial capital of Panjshir.
Mawlawi Mohammad Qasim Amiri, head of Panjshir’s Directorate of Mines and Petroleum, stated that these mineral deposits were identified and verified following technical surveys conducted by the Directorate’s Survey Department. He added that mining companies began their operations after obtaining official licenses.
He further explained that these areas had previously undergone trial extraction, with positive results from sample analyses, paving the way for the launch of formal mining activities.
Officials of the Directorate also noted that besides emeralds, which are among the most significant minerals of Panjshir, the extraction of several other types of stones and minerals is currently ongoing in the province.
Panjshir, a mountainous and mineral-rich province in northeastern Afghanistan, has long been recognized for its mineral wealth. However, experts consistently emphasize the importance of transparency in contracts, proper revenue management, and ensuring local residents receive their rightful share of mining income—a matter that the Taliban administration is expected to seriously address in the new extraction initiatives.
