Officials in Afghanistan’s Panjshir province have announced the discovery of a turquoise mine in Anabah district, with a detailed assessment of its reserves expected to begin soon.
Saifuddin Mansah, spokesman for the Panjshir governor, said on Wednesday that experts from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum have been assigned to investigate the newly identified deposit in the Anabah area.
According to provincial officials, the experts will visit the site and collect samples to determine the quality and estimated quantity of the turquoise reserves. The findings will help authorities assess the potential of the deposit for future extraction.
Officials said that if the mineral reserves are found to be commercially recoverable and the required legal procedures are completed, mining operations could begin.
Panjshir is known for its deposits of precious and semi-precious stones. Emeralds, tourmaline, green garnets and several other minerals have also been identified in the province.
Turquoise is a widely valued gemstone, particularly known for its blue and green shades. It is commonly used in jewelry and decorative items, with its market value depending on factors including color, quality, purity and rarity.
Afghanistan possesses significant deposits of precious and semi-precious stones across several provinces. The discovery in Panjshir could add another gemstone resource to the province’s mineral sector, although the commercial significance of the new deposit will depend on the results of the upcoming geological assessment.