Taliban Leader Issues New Order to Regulate Gold Washing Activities
Documents obtained by Afghanistan International reveal that Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Taliban administration, issued a new order on May 18, 2026, concerning the regulation of gold washing operations. According to this decree, all lands designated as ‘Emirate lands’ with the capacity for gold washing are declared ‘protected areas,’ and occupation or seizure of these lands without Taliban administration permission is prohibited.
The first article of the order emphasizes that any use or occupation of these areas without obtaining official authorization will be considered a violation. This decision comes as Afghanistan’s mining sector remains one of the country’s vital sources of income, with ongoing concerns about its management and transparency.
The second article obligates the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum to lease suitable government lands according to the ‘Law on Leasing Emirate Lands’ for a specified period to individuals or companies, allowing them to install their equipment and machinery.
The centralization of authority at the Taliban leadership level and the establishment of new frameworks for mineral exploitation once again highlight debates over oversight, contract transparency, and the share of natural resources for the people—a subject persistently questioned by residents and economic experts amid the absence of accountable mechanisms.
