RASC News Agency: Taliban officials in Panjshir province have made an intriguing announcement, outlining their plans to embark on the extraction of abundant gold, ruby, and iron mines in the near future. This revelation came to light during a discussion between Hafiz Mohammad Agha Hakim, the governor of the Panjshir Taliban division, and Shahabuddin Delawar, the head of mines and petroleum of the group in Kabul province. Hakim emphasized that these mining endeavors intend to create ample job opportunities specifically for the youth residing within the province.
Nevertheless, despite the Taliban’s overarching focus on large-scale mining operations throughout the nation, they have yet to commence the extraction of these particular mines. To date, the group has entered into contractual agreements with a multitude of domestic and foreign joint enterprises, seeking to exploit more than seven expansive mines. However, the country’s unemployment and poverty rates have witnessed an alarming surge since the transition of power, primarily due to the diminishing presence of international aid organizations and the scarcity of employment opportunities introduced by the ruling group.
Moreover, concerning Afghanistan’s mining sector, it is conjectured that the Taliban’s actions in accessing these resources have been indiscriminate and driven by personal gain, with little regard for the nation’s infrastructure sustenance. The forthcoming extraction of mines in Panjshir province may offer some semblance of respite to the burgeoning unemployment crisis within the region. However, the true litmus test lies in determining whether the Taliban will prioritize the vital reconstruction of the country’s infrastructure or persist in perpetuating their self-interests.
It is crucial to highlight that informed sources, cognizant of the nature of the Taliban’s conduct towards the nation’s mines, denounce these acts as clear instances of illicit plundering, flagrantly defying society’s moral compass. Moreover, based on credible information emanating from the Taliban, reports indicate continued exploitation of mines and a recurring announcement of emerald sales in Panjshir province, now reaching its fourth iteration.
