Share this story!            

Taliban take over emerald mine in Shangla

Staff Report

SHANGLA: More than 70 Taliban attacked the famous Gojaro Kalay emerald mine in Shangla on Wednesday and took control of the mining operations.

The mine had been leased to American firm Luxury International, which had been paying Pakistan Rs 40 million a year. The company had left recently because of the security situation.

The Taliban took positions around the mine on Wednesday after the security guards fled. They announced to take control of mining operations and offered the locals to work with them and share the profits. They bought mining equipment from the nearby Kotkay Bazaar.

Sher Bacha, the nazim of the area, and the locals confirmed the report and said more than 1,000 people worked on the mine on Wednesday. Only 100 people worked at the mine before the Taliban takeover.

The district coordination officer and the district police officer declined to comment, but the policemen deployed at the nearby checkpost confirmed Taliban had taken control of the mine. Minerals Licensing Director Shakirullah said he had information on the takeover.

Home | National

Share this story!