International News
Panjshir emerald industry surges, demand drives record $6.1m in gemstone sales
For a country impoverished by years of war and burdened by international sanctions, the trade in precious minerals is a valuable resource, especially in the remote corner of northeastern Afghanistan.
The Panjshir Provincial Directorate of Mines in Afghanistan today announced record-breaking growth in its gemstone sector, driven by strong international buyer demand and increased regional extraction activities.
Following its 23rd successful public commercial auction of the year, cumulative emerald sales in Panjshir have reached nearly 400 million Afghanis ($6.12 million USD), marking a steep year-over-year increase in trade revenue. The latest auction saw close to 3,000 carats of high-grade emeralds awarded to competitive regional and international bidders.
Strong Market Fundamentals & Regional Economic Impact
The Panjshir gemstone sector continues to serve as a pivotal economic engine for the region:
- Workforce Expansion: Over 15,000 workers are currently employed across artisanal and small-scale operations throughout the Panjshir Valley.
- Uncapped Resource Potential: Provincial authorities have identified more than 2,000 prospective mining sites suitable for immediate modern development and investment.
- Macroeconomic Contribution: Boosted by mining rights auctions and natural resource commercialization, total state revenue saw a 22 percent year-on-year surge entering Q2 2026, according to World Bank metrics.
“Panjshir emeralds are globally recognized for their exceptional purity and cut quality, securing a premium valuation across international markets,” said Ghulam Mustafa Habibi, a prominent regional gem merchant.
Strategic Strategic Partnership & Infrastructure Opportunities
To further modernize extraction and capture downstream value, local leadership is actively courting foreign direct investment and technical partnerships. Recent regulatory agreements have attracted venture capital and technical stakeholders across Asia and the Middle East to develop Afghanistan’s broader mineral portfolio.
Strategic priorities for the sector include:
- In-Country Processing Infrastructure: Establishing a centralized processing and standardization hub in Kabul to refine raw gemstones prior to export.
- Modernization & Modern Equipment Deployment: Transitioning operations from traditional manual extraction to industrial-grade technology to maximize yield and operational safety.
- Global Market Integration: Developing direct supply pipelines to major international gem-cutting and retail hubs.
International News
VICENZAORO Rewards Excellence:The VO Awards Will Be Back For The Second Edition
Entries Open Until 30 November For ICON, LOOK and CREATION Exhibitors. The Awards Ceremony Will Take Place At VOJ27.The Finalist Creations, Selected By A Jury Of Experts, Will Be On Display At VOJ27; The Media, Exhibitors and Buyers Will Also Cast Votes For The Winners.
– Vicenzaoro’s official VO Awards will be back for their second edition to celebrate the craftsmanship, manufacturing expertise, drive for innovation and commitment to sustainability of exhibitors at Italian Exhibition Group’s international event, a leading reference for the gold, jewellery and watchmaking sector for over 70 years.
Entries are already open. Bands from the ICON, LOOK and CREATION communities can place their entries up until 30th November by completing the relevant product form and submitting the required materials. The winners will be announced during the awards ceremony on the evening of Sunday 17th January at Vicenzaoro January (15–19 January 2027).
The VO Awards were established with the aim of giving Vicenzaoro exhibitors an exclusive platform at the January edition, the first event on the industry’s global calendar, on which to display their creations: jewellery that embodies excellence and points the way forward for the industry and the market, a factor that sets the offer and spirit of this international benchmark jewellery show apart.
Matteo Farsura said:
“As part of the Vicenzaoro ecosystem the VO Awards enhance manufacturing excellence, the care taken in selecting materials, the capacity for innovation and a sustainable approach. An original initiative designed to strengthen our community and consolidate the trade show’s role as a hub where tradition, innovation, craftsmanship, talent, art and industry converge, creating value through relationships across the entire supply chain.”
THE VO AWARDS CATEGORIES
Ten competition categories represent the various aspects of gold, jewellery and silver manufacturing, in keeping with the Vicenzaoro – The Jewellery Boutique Show format, which divides the exhibition offer into thematic communities based on brand identity, positioning and communication style.
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