The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum reported that 12 auctions were held this year for emeralds from Panjshir, with a total of 36,400 carats sold for $2.6 million.
The ministry noted growing interest from foreign investors, especially from Russia, in Afghanistan’s mining sector and expressed optimism about positive developments in the oil and gas industry.
Previously extracted illegally during the fallen republic with profits going into private hands, Panjshir emeralds are now mined by licensed companies and sold through official auctions.