Afghanistan’s emerald miners struggle with tools but attract global buyers

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-10-09T07:10:30.514Z • Permanent link

Afghanistan's emerald mining industry has long been a subject of intrigue, with the country's rich deposits of precious stones drawing in both local and international investors. However, the sector has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including the Taliban's return to power in 2021 and the subsequent collapse of the Afghan government. Amidst these tumultuous events, the emerald mining industry has continued to attract global buyers, with several prominent companies and institutions taking notice of the country's untapped mineral resources.

According to sources, Afghan emerald miners have been struggling with outdated tools and equipment, which has hindered their ability to extract and process the precious stones efficiently. Despite these challenges, the industry has seen a surge in demand from countries such as China, India, and the United States, which are seeking to tap into the country's vast mineral wealth. Notably, the United States has been a major buyer of Afghan emeralds, with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reporting that the country imported over 100,000 carats of emeralds in 2020.

Rahmatullah Hashemi, a prominent Afghan emerald miner, has been instrumental in connecting global buyers with the country's mining community. Hashemi, who has been in the industry for over two decades, has worked tirelessly to promote Afghanistan's emerald mining sector, both domestically and internationally. His efforts have paid off, with several major companies, including De Beers and Rio Tinto, taking notice of the country's potential.

Afghanistan's emerald mining industry is not an isolated phenomenon, but rather part of a larger pattern of mineral wealth being exploited in the region. The country's rich deposits of minerals, including emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, have long been a source of fascination for international investors. However, the industry has faced numerous challenges, including corruption, insecurity, and lack of infrastructure, which have hindered its development.

Historically, the Afghan government has struggled to effectively manage the country's mineral resources, with the industry often being controlled by local warlords and corrupt officials. This has led to a lack of transparency and accountability, which has discouraged foreign investment in the sector. However, in recent years, the government has taken steps to reform the industry, including the establishment of the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, which is responsible for overseeing the country's mineral resources.

The international community has also taken notice of Afghanistan's mineral wealth, with several major companies, including China's China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and India's Vedanta Resources, investing heavily in the country's oil and gas sector. However, the emerald mining industry remains a relatively untapped sector, with opportunities for growth and development waiting to be exploited.