Tensions persist over gold mining in northern Afghanistan

Tensions between local residents and the mining company have continued in northeastern Afghanistan’s Takhar province over the extraction of gold at a major mining site, with protesters saying they have been excluded from benefits while bearing the environmental and economic costs.

Local sources and residents in Chah Ab district say demonstrations that began on Friday are still ongoing, driven by anger over what they describe as unfair and non-transparent mining practices.

Protesters say they took to the streets to demand basic services and a share of revenues from the Samti gold mine, arguing that the area lacks roads, water infrastructure, healthcare facilities and other public services despite hosting one of the country’s key mineral projects.

“We came out to seek justice,” said one resident. “We have no roads, no dams, no clinics or hospitals. Everything is being looted.”

Another protester said residents had initially raised their concerns peacefully but felt ignored by authorities. “We are here to demand our rights from the government,” he said. “Our land is being destroyed and our villages are being damaged.”

The Taliban’s interior ministry spokesman confirmed that clashes linked to the protests left four people dead and five wounded, adding that the Taliban deputy governor for Takhar had been sent to the district to investigate the incident.

However, local residents and sources gave higher casualty figures, saying at least five protesters had been killed and 16 others wounded during confrontations with Taliban forces. Reuters was unable to independently verify the competing casualty claims.

Residents said tensions escalated after Taliban forces attempted to disperse protesters, leading to stone-throwing and attacks on mining-related equipment. Some injured protesters remain in critical condition at district hospitals, according to local accounts.

Locals also complain that mining operations have damaged farmland, blocked access to water and disrupted daily life. “There are no roads left, no water left, and the noise has made people sick,” said another resident. “After the recent rain, all our roads were destroyed and we have no access to water. People became angry and reacted.”

The Taliban have not issued a new public statement on the unrest, though officials previously said a special delegation had been appointed to address the dispute.

The protests centre on the Samti gold mine, which covers about 12 square kilometres in Chah Ab district. The Taliban awarded a five-year contract for the mine nearly two years ago to a Chinese firm operating under the name China–Afghanistan, along with Afghan partners.

Taliban officials have said the project involves an investment of about $310 million, with mining and processing beginning around five months ago. Gold reserves at the site are estimated at between 12 and 24 tonnes.

Under the contract, 56% of revenues from the mine are allocated to the Taliban authorities, while 44% go to the company and its Afghan partners. Security for the site is provided by Taliban forces.

Residents say they have seen no benefit from the project and that there is little clarity over how mining revenues are spent.

Concerns over the Taliban’s handling of Afghanistan’s mineral resources have grown in recent months. Economic analysts say many mining contracts lack transparency and oversight, raising questions about revenue management and long-term benefits for local communities.

Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have moved to contract out many of Afghanistan’s large mineral deposits, often to foreign companies, arguing that mining revenues are essential for economic recovery. Critics say the approach risks fuelling local grievances and instability if communities remain excluded from decision-making and benefits.