Afghan villagers turn to gold-panning to sustain livelihoods
Al Jazeera·4h ago·Hope
What Happened
Hundreds of men in eastern Afghanistan's Kunar province pan for gold in the Kunar riverbed to earn livelihoods due to limited job opportunities. Workers excavate dry riverbed sections, wash rocky material, and sift for gold particles worth approximately $125 per gram weekly. Gold panning has continued in the region for over a decade amid Afghanistan's economic challenges and limited employment options.
Key Entities
AfghanistanKunar provinceKunar riverbedHindu Kush mountainsDelawarGul Ahmad Jangold panning