BRUSSELS — Miners in Afghanistan’s Panjshir province are working with rudimentary tools while exporters report growing interest from buyers in Europe, the United States and Asia, according to a news report published on 9 October 2026.
Local miners rely on hand‑held hammers, basic chisels and manually operated drills, a condition described by the report as limiting production efficiency and increasing occupational hazards. The lack of mechanised equipment stems from limited access to capital, disrupted supply chains and the absence of formal mining licences in many sites.
Despite these constraints, international gemstone traders have placed orders for Afghan emeralds, citing the stones’ deep green hue and relative rarity. The report notes that buyers from the United Kingdom, Germany and the United Arab Emirates have recently visited mining sites to assess quality, and that several consignments have been shipped through the Port of Karachi to markets in Hong Kong and New York.
Economic Context
Afghanistan’s gemstone sector contributes an estimated $150 million to the national economy each year, according to trade data compiled by regional market observers. The sector operates largely outside formal taxation structures, which complicates revenue tracking. The influx of foreign buyers has prompted calls from local business associations for improved infrastructure, including the introduction of portable crushing machines and safer extraction methods.
International buyers are reportedly willing to pay premiums of up to 30 % above the average market price for stones that meet specific clarity and cut standards. The report indicates that the premium reflects both the perceived authenticity of Afghan emeralds and the logistical challenges involved in transporting them.
Security and Governance Issues
Security concerns continue to affect mining operations. The report cites incidents of armed groups demanding a share of the proceeds, which has led some miners to operate in remote valleys to avoid confrontation. The lack of a unified regulatory framework means that many mining sites function without official oversight, raising questions about the provenance of exported stones.
Afghan authorities have announced plans to draft a mining code that would formalise licences and introduce safety standards. The draft, which is under review by the Ministry of Mines, aims to create a licensing system that could facilitate access to financing for equipment purchases.
International Trade Implications
Global buyers are monitoring the situation closely, as the United Nations has flagged the gemstone trade as a potential source of funding for illicit activities. The report notes that several importing countries have tightened customs inspections for Afghan gemstones, requiring certificates of origin and conflict‑free verification.
Trade analysts suggest that the current demand could encourage the Afghan government to accelerate regulatory reforms, though they caution that any changes must balance security considerations with the need to protect miners’ livelihoods.
Future Outlook
Stakeholders anticipate that improved access to modern tools could raise output by an estimated 20 % over the next two years, according to projections cited in the report. However, the realization of such gains depends on the stability of supply routes, the establishment of clear legal frameworks and the ability of miners to secure financing.
For now, Afghan emerald miners continue to extract stones with basic hand tools while navigating a market that increasingly values their product.