The Emerald Mines of Afghanistan's Panjshir Valley: A Valuable Asset without Legal Status
Publisher: Journal of Asian Mining
Author(s): Gary Bowersox
Date: 2016
Topics: Extractive Resources, Governance, Livelihoods
Countries: Afghanistan
Well-known since ancient times, Afghanistan's emeralds have provided a valuable source of funding for factions in the country's recent political crises. Despite subsequent international assistance, gemologist Gary W Bowersoxexplains, emerald mining continues as a lucrative but informal and underdeveloped sector that is yet to contribute to an equitable, co-operative relationship of benefit to all Afghanistan citizens.