Sources in Chah Ab, Takhar: Gold Mining Resumes After Leadership Change and Suppression of Protests.
Local sources in Chah Ab district of Takhar Province report that gold mining operations resumed today, Monday, 19 January 2026, after being suspended for several months.
According to these sources, the Taliban, in cooperation with contracting companies, have restarted drilling operations for gold extraction.
The activities are being carried out with a heavy security presence and extensive use of heavy machinery.
Local residents say the Taliban have accelerated the mining process following changes in the local administrative structure.
After the appointment of Mullah Hamidullah Ershad as the new Deputy Governor of Takhar, mining operations have proceeded in a more organized manner, while public protests and resistance by some local youths have been suppressed.
Witnesses report that security forces have prevented any form of opposition or civil protest.
Local elders have reportedly warned young protesters that continued demonstrations would lead to harsher crackdowns.
Residents say the mining activities have resulted in damage to agricultural land, restricted access to water resources, increased insecurity, and greater economic pressure on families.
At the same time, concerns persist regarding the misappropriation of public resources and the lack of transparency over mining revenues, as no clear reports have been provided on income levels or how the proceeds are being spent.
