Afghanistan’s First Mining Exhibition in Kabul Ends with $2.2 Million Gemstone Sales

Afghanistan’s first specialized mining exhibition concluded after four days in Kabul, attracting over 100,000 visitors. The event featured 150 booths showcasing mining products and gemstones from domestic and international companies. The head of Afghanistan’s Precious and Semi-Precious Stones Union emphasized that if the country’s mineral resources are managed professionally, transparently, and legally, they can contribute significantly to economic growth. According to Mohammad Ishaq Sahibzad, Deputy Minister of Mines and Petroleum under the Taliban administration, despite sanctions, Afghanistan is rich in resources such as ruby, tourmaline, emerald, and gold. However, it is essential for extraction to be conducted in a standardized and responsible manner. On the sidelines of the exhibition, four cooperation agreements were signed among domestic mining companies. Additionally, a gemstone auction was held, where gemstones from the provinces of Panjshir, Kabul, Kunar, and Nuristan were sold for a total of 184 million Afghan afghanis (approximately $2.2 million). The acting representative of the Iranian Embassy in Kabul also pointed to the economic opportunities in Afghanistan, stating that the era of rhetoric is over and real economic cooperation is now possible. One participant revealed positive negotiations with Iranian and Chinese traders and is working to sign a major contract for talc sales to Iran. Nonetheless, concerns remain about the limited and opaque management by the Taliban administration in the mining sector, which affects the proper administration and realization of the true potential of these valuable resources, impacting the economy and sustainable development of the Afghan people.