Afghanistan: Gemstone Wealth Opens New Economic Horizons
A field report examines the state of the gemstone sector in Afghanistan and its impact on the local economy.
Afghanistan is rich in diverse natural resources, with gemstones emerging as one of the key assets the country is banking on for economic recovery.
These stones are an integral part of Afghanistan's geological heritage, extracted from various mines located in rugged mountainous regions, which makes mining a significant challenge.
The extraction and trade of gemstones provide employment opportunities for many local residents and serve as a vital source of income in areas lacking large-scale industries.
The industry faces challenges related to traditional extraction methods and the need to develop modern techniques to increase the added value of products before they are exported to global markets.
Relevant authorities are looking to further regulate this sector to ensure the sustainability of resources and maximize the financial returns that could bolster the national economy.