Gold Fever in Afghanistan: A Double Edged Sword The resurgence of gold mining in Afghanistan's Badakhshan province has brought a mix of economic opportunities and environmental devastation.
For local communities, this double edged sword is a harsh reality. On one hand, the influx of mining companies and jobs has provided much needed employment for thousands of workers.
Many have traveled from across the country to take advantage of limited job prospects. Mohammad Agha Khwaja Khail earns 10,000 Afghanis (approximately $192 USD) per month loading trucks.