Illegal Gold Mining Halted in Shighnan District, Badakhshan Province

Local officials in Badakhshan province announced the immediate suspension of illegal mining and gold washing activities in Shighnan district. The halt will remain in place until all legal procedures are completed and official permits are obtained.

This decision was made during a meeting chaired by Mohammad Ismail Ghaznavi, the governor of Badakhshan, with the attendance of the head of the provincial mining and petroleum department, Shighnan district officials, and several miners. The meeting aimed to prevent illegal mining and address local residents’ complaints.

The governor of Badakhshan emphasized that no individual, group, or company will be allowed to conduct mining activities without a legal permit and coordination with the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum and the provincial mining department. He also stated that supervision over mining areas will be intensified.

Additionally, it was announced that the Taliban administration plans to issue new regulations concerning mining, after which applicants can officially begin their operations through the Badakhshan mining department and according to formal procedures.

However, some residents of Shighnan had previously expressed concerns about non-standard mining practices and a lack of transparency in mine management. This issue remains a serious challenge in the country’s natural resource sector and requires clear oversight and accountability.