Several residents of Takhar province are complaining about the uncontrolled extraction of gold from mines by companies affiliated with the Taliban in the historic area of Ai-Khanum and the recreational area of Khatayan in this province. They say that these companies are engaged in mineral extraction in these areas without observing environmental standards or the necessary oversight. According to them, the continuation of this process has so far caused the destruction of agricultural lands, the loss of green areas, and the disruption of the natural fabric of the region. These residents add that the activities of the mining companies have also damaged the Takhar-Badakhshan public highway and have transformed the natural landscape of the Khatayan area.
These residents, speaking with the Hasht-e Subh Daily, say that some local people have also sold their lands to mining companies in exchange for large sums of money. In their view, this has accelerated the destruction of nature and historical relics. They warn that if this process continues, the Khatayan recreational area and the historic site of Ai-Khanum will face irreparable damage.
Sultan Ali, one of the residents of the Khatayan area in Takhar province, says that the uncontrolled extraction of gold by companies affiliated with the Taliban has turned this recreational area into ruins. He adds that in the past, Khatayan was one of the well-known tourist areas in Takhar, but now, as a result of extensive mining, a large part of its natural fabric has been destroyed. According to him, the expansion of mining company activities has severely damaged the surrounding lands and transformed the natural appearance of the area.
This resident says: “What is happening in Khatayan now, in my view, is nothing but the looting and plunder of the mines. Gold extraction companies have severely destroyed the surrounding lands. This area used to be one of the famous tourist destinations, but now large parts of it have turned into pits resulting from extraction. Several people are also selling their land to these companies due to economic hardship. If this process continues, in a few more years, nothing will remain of this area.”
Samiullah, another resident of Takhar, says that the Taliban are not solely responsible for the destruction of the Khatayan area, but that some local people are also playing a role in this process, knowingly or unknowingly, by selling their agricultural lands. He adds that due to economic hardship, people are selling their lands to mining companies in exchange for large sums of money, and this has intensified the destruction of the area.
This resident says: “Khatayan used to be a green area with a natural landscape, but now it has turned into a destroyed area. Due to poverty, people are selling their agricultural lands to mining companies, and this act, knowingly or unknowingly, contributes to the destruction of the area. Mining extraction continues in an uncontrolled manner and has caused serious damage to the environment. A large part of Khatayan is now under the control of companies whose owners are from the southern provinces, and their extraction methods are highly destructive. While Afghanistan is facing climate change, preserving green lands is more valuable than gold.”
Khan Agha, another resident of Takhar, says that after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, particularly in the past two years, illegal and uncontrolled mining in this province has increased, and this process continues without serious oversight. He emphasizes that these activities have not only damaged the environment but have also severely changed the natural and touristic appearance of Takhar province. According to him, mining extraction is proceeding in a destructive manner, and even historical and recreational areas are not being taken into consideration in this process.
This resident says: “Takhar province was once one of the green and beautiful provinces of Afghanistan, and its nature attracted tourists, but now this beautiful appearance is disappearing. A clear example of this is the historic area of Ai-Khanum, which, with a history of two to three thousand years, is now at risk of destruction, and parts of it have turned to dust. Likewise, the Khatayan area, which used to be a recreational spot for people, has now turned into a destroyed area, and gardens, recreational houses, and lands along the river are being extracted in a substandard manner.”
Residents of Takhar province are calling on the Taliban to seriously monitor the uncontrolled mining process before more serious damage occurs.
Afghanistan is among the countries with vast natural reserves, particularly precious and semi-precious stones. The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, under the former republic government, had announced that the value of these natural reserves is estimated at three trillion dollars.
Following the Taliban’s takeover and the reduction of foreign aid, gold and precious stone mining activities have increased in several provinces, particularly Takhar and Badakhshan. This process has raised serious concerns in some areas regarding the destruction of the environment and natural resources.
The complaints about the uncontrolled extraction of gold in the Khatayan and Ai-Khanum areas of Takhar province come as protests against mining companies had previously erupted in the same province and in Badakhshan province, which in some cases turned violent.
You can read the Persian version of this report here:
استخراج بیرویه معادن در تخار؛ آیخانم و خطایان در آستانه نابودی
