Russian Investors Interested in Panjshir Mines, Claims Taliban

The Taliban's Directorate of Information and Culture in Panjshir has announced that several Russian businessmen and geologists are interested in investing in the province's mines.

Mohammad Agha Hakim, the Taliban’s governor in Panjshir, stated that the Taliban welcome foreign investors in this province.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Taliban's Directorate of Information and Culture in Panjshir noted that, in addition to Russian businessmen, traders from other countries have also expressed interest in collaborating with the Taliban to invest in Panjshir's emerald mines.

The Taliban have frequently reported on the extraction and sale of Panjshir emeralds.

Recently, the Taliban's head of Mines and Petroleum in Panjshir stated that over 60,000 carats of Panjshir emeralds have been sold for four million dollars.
Since taking power in August 2021, the Taliban have significantly intensified mining activities. However, critics argue that the Taliban's extraction of mines lacks legitimacy and transparency, with no clarity on where the revenues are directed.