Over 100,000 People Employed in Badakhshan Gold Mining, Reports Say
More than 100,000 people are reported to be working directly or indirectly in gold mining across Badakhshan.
The ministry stated in a newsletter that gold extraction is ongoing in the districts of Shahr-e-Bozorg, Yawan, Kohistan, Raghistan, Khwahan, and Arghanjkhwah in Badakhshan.
The Taiban ministry added that the development projects worth 223 million Afghanis have been launched, including road construction, water networks, infrastructure improvements, and five large bridges over the Kokcha River.
The statement claimed that legal extraction and transparent management of mineral resources are priorities to strengthen the national economy and benefit local communities.
Concerns have been raised that gold mining in Badakhshan and Takhar has been handed to Chinese companies, allegedly leading to uncontrolled extraction.
Protests have been reported in the Chah-Ob area of Takhar over excessive mining, which is said to have damaged water resources and affected local livelihoods.
Security forces reportedly suppressed the protests, resulting in three deaths, highlighting tensions over resource control and governance in northern Afghanistan.
While economic benefits from gold mining are highlighted, disputes over environmental damage and foreign control underline the complex challenges in Badakhshan’s mineral sector.
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