For the first time, Pansher’s ruby sold in auction

PARAKH (Pajhwok): The Department of Mines and Petroleum in central Panjsher province has sold 3,318 carats of emeralds for $269,550 at the 18th auction and ruby were also for the first time in auction, an official said on Tuesday.

Mohammad Qasim Amir, director of mines and petroleum told Pajhwok Afghan News the ruby was discovered in Khawar village and it was sold against $1,000.

Ruby discovery work was started four months ago, but 10 ruby mines were registered and three mines had excavation licenses.

He said about 105 traders from Panjsher, Kabul, Parwan, Kapisa, Uruzgan, Baghlan, Kandahar, Helmand, Zabul, Logar and Nangarhar provinces took part in the auction.

The emeralds sold had been extracted from five sites in Hisa-i-Awal district of Panjsher. Emerald mining in the province resumed in August after two years of suspension, he added.

According to reports currently 1,700 emerald mines exist in Panjsher out of which 500 are functional.

Hz/nh