$3.6M Panjshir Emerald Auction Draws Chinese Investor

DID Press: More than 3,500 carats of Panjshir emeralds were sold for over $3.6 million at a public auction held in Panjshir province, attended by domestic and international traders, including an investor from China.

Saifuddin Laton, spokesperson for the Taliban governor in Panjshir, said the auction was conducted under the supervision of the provincial Mines Committee. He described Panjshir emeralds as a “green asset,” noting that they enjoy credibility and recognition in global markets.

Laton added that transparency in the buying and selling process has helped attract international investor confidence, contributing to economic growth and job creation for young people.

Hafiz Mohammad Agha Hakim, the Taliban governor of Panjshir, welcomed what he described as the growing global recognition of the province’s emeralds and stressed the need for technical and standardized mining practices to ensure proper extraction of the valuable resource.

According to local officials, more than 600 mining licenses have so far been issued in the province. Technical teams from the Department of Mines have also identified 270 new mining sites, 30 of which have entered the operational phase.

The latest auction underscores the emergence of Panjshir emeralds as a recognized global brand, with international investors expressing confidence in their quality—a trend that could further strengthen the stone’s position in global markets.