Panjsher: Over 4,000 carats of emeralds fetch $47,610

PARAKH (Pajhwok): The Department of Mines and Petroleum in central Panjshir province has sold 4,177 carats of emeralds for more than $47,610.

In a statement, the provincial media office said that Panjshir’s high-quality emeralds have connected Afghanistan with global markets and play an important role in attracting the attention of domestic and foreign investors.

The statement added that the increasing sale of emeralds from Panjshir province has, on one hand, boosted the local economy of residents, and on the other, increased the revenues of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA).

According to the statement, with the end of winter and the beginning of the next year, work on several newly established mines in various districts of the province—including emerald and beryl mines—will officially commence.

The media office said that mining conducted in a transparent and legal manner, while strengthening the local economy, will also increase public revenues and promote sustainable development in the province.

The statement noted that expanding mining operations will create employment opportunities for young people.

hz/sa