Over 3,000 Carats of Panjshir Emeralds Sold to Domestic Traders

PANJSHER, Afghanistan (Afghan Verified) -- A total of 3,657 carats of freshly extracted emeralds from Panjshir province, valued at $58,050, were sold to domestic traders in the presence of members of the mining oversight committee.

Officials in Panjshir province stated that the emeralds were extracted from various mines in the province.

At a ceremony marking the sale, Hafiz Mohammad Agha Hakim, governor of Panjshir province, emphasized the local administration's programs, saying the mining extraction process must continue in a technical, transparent and legal manner to ensure proper management of the province's natural resources.

Hakim added that emerald mining has seen significant improvements. He noted that serious efforts are underway to start and expand extraction of lead, iron, ruby and turquoise deposits.

The process has contributed to family economic growth, created employment opportunities for young entrants into the precious and semi-precious stone trade as well as local workers, and played an effective role in increasing government revenues, according to officials.