Afghanistan sells 3,703 carats of Panjshir emeralds for $28,500

KABUL, Afghanistan — Authorities in Afghanistan’s Panjshir province have sold 3,703 carats of emeralds for $28,500  at the province’s ninth auction, underscoring the growing role of gemstones in connecting the country to international markets.

According to Pajhwok Afghan News, officials described Panjshir emeralds as among the highest quality in the region, noting their ability to attract both domestic and foreign investors. The provincial media office said auctions are part of efforts to formalize trade and channel revenues into the local economy.

Governor Hafiz Mohammad Agha Hakim emphasized the need for mining to follow technical and standardized practices. He said stabilizing mining operations would not only ensure better resource management but also provide job opportunities for young people in a province where unemployment remains widespread.

Emeralds from Panjshir have long been prized by traders for their deep green color and durability, with experts often comparing them to stones from Colombia and Zambia, the world’s leading sources. The renewed auctions are seen by analysts as a way for Afghanistan to boost revenues at a time when the country faces significant economic isolation.

In addition to emeralds, Panjshir province has identified more than ten types of valuable minerals, including aquamarine, turquoise, serpentine, nephrite, lead, iron, and ruby. 

Provincial authorities say 19 mining areas have been stabilized in recent months, signaling greater organization and oversight in a sector historically marked by informality and smuggling.

Mining has become a strategic priority for Afghanistan, with authorities attempting to attract investment despite political uncertainty and limited infrastructure. Panjshir’s auctions, officials argue, demonstrate how regulated mineral trade could support local development while giving the country a foothold in the global gemstone market.