Panjshir emeralds draw buyers as miners work with basic tools

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  Panjshir emeralds attract buyers from Kabul and overseas, while miners work with basic tools in harsh conditions.

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  Nearly 3,000 carats were sold at the latest auction, the 23rd of its kind so far this year.

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  The value of emeralds sold in Afghanistan to date is estimated at nearly 400 million Afghanis, or $6.12 million.

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  A mining official says more than 15,000 people are employed in Panjshir’s mining sector.

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  Officials and miners say the sector lacks modern equipment and proper processing facilities.

Who

Panjshir emerald miners and buyers, including buyers from Kabul and overseas.

What

Miners extract emeralds with basic tools, and buyers purchase them at auctions.

When

The article was published on October 9, 2026; the latest auction was the 23rd of its kind so far that year.

Where

Panjshir valley, Afghanistan.

Why

Mining provides employment and income in an area with few other sources of work; buyers seek the emeralds for their high quality.

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