The Taliban-run Bakhtar News Agency reported on Wednesday, August 11, that 2,539 carats of emeralds extracted from Panjshir province’s mines have been sold.
According to Saifuddin Laton, spokesperson for the Taliban-appointed provincial administration in Panjshir, the sale brought in 347,850 U.S. dollars. He said the emeralds were sold to domestic traders through an auction.
Critics allege that revenues from Afghanistan’s mines are being used to fund Taliban forces and morality patrols tasked with suppressing the country’s citizens.
Since returning to power, the Taliban have placed significant focus on extracting and selling the country’s mineral resources. However, opponents argue the group lacks the legitimacy to exploit Afghanistan’s mines and warn that in the absence of transparency, there is a risk that proceeds from the nation’s natural resources will be misappropriated.
