From Al Jazeera · Rob McBride · · 50s
Afghanistan's emerald miners attract global buyers
Panjshir valley miners sell rough-cut stones to buyers from Kabul and overseas despite struggling with basic tools.
In brief
Panjshir valley miners sell rough-cut stones to buyers from Kabul and overseas despite struggling with basic tools. Afghan emerald miners in Panjshir valley are selling stones to international buyers at auctions, though they lack adequate equipment. Originally reported by Al Jazeera.
Emerald auction in Panjshir
At a packed hall in the offices of the Panjshir provincial government, an auction is under way and the bidding is brisk.
Buyers examine stones closely
The buyers, many from Kabul and some from overseas, have already closely examined the small piles of roughly cut green stones, shining their phone flashlights through them to check their quality.
Many small mines dot valley
Many small mines dot Afghanistan's Panjshir valley, where emerald miners struggle with tools but attract global buyers seeking the rough-cut green stones.
The main idea
Afghan emerald miners in Panjshir valley are selling stones to international buyers at auctions, though they lack adequate equipment.
/file/attachments/2999/41_389608.png)
/file/attachments/orphans/DMXCREATIONAFRICAROLLOUT-POST9-BIO_471227.png)
