KABUL, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- More than 100,000 people are currently employed directly and indirectly in gold mining operations in northern Afghanistan's Badakhshan province, the country's Ministry of Mines and Petroleum said late Sunday.
According to a ministry statement, extraction is underway in six districts of the province: Shahri Buzurg, Yawan, Kohistan, Raghistan, Khwahan, and Arghanj Khwah.
It added that ensuring legal and transparent mining operations remains a top priority and that the sector is helping to strengthen the national economy and create jobs for local communities.
Afghanistan holds significant untapped mineral reserves, though extraction has historically been limited by a lack of investment, infrastructure, and security concerns. ■