The Jigdalak mining area is located in the southeastern part of the Hindu Kush and is characterized by relatively gentle relief. The westernmost part of the area features deep valleys formed by erosion from the Pari River. The relative elevation of the watershed boundaries ranges from 350 to 400 meters above the valley floors. The main rivers in the region under study are the Pari River, Solnav, and Gurmangi, which flow into the Kabul River basin. These rivers flow from south to north and are fed by springs with very low discharge rates. The discharge of these springs depends greatly on seasonal rainfall and weather conditions.

The valleys of the Solnav and Gurmangi rivers are narrow, forming a typical “V” shape. In the northern parts, the valleys widen slightly, forming canyons, though these are not very deep. Water is not present continuously throughout the year in these valleys, appearing mostly during the spring. During spring and summer, the water in these rivers is entirely used for irrigation purposes. The flora and fauna in this region are quite sparse; trees are few and primarily consist of willow, cypress, plane trees, and similar types. In spring, vegetation covers the slopes of hills and mountains. Among the wildlife, species such as wolves, foxes, jackals, and deer inhabit the area.

Due to its geographical location, the region has typical mountainous characteristics. Elevations vary, generally consisting of mountain ranges and high hills. The area covers approximately 6.89 square kilometers. The Jigdalak ruby mine is located about 60 kilometers (37 miles) east of Kabul. The area’s relief is somewhat rugged, and it is covered by rocks from the Archean and Proterozoic eras. The rocks present in the study area include crystalline schists, calcite and dolomite marbles, amphibolites, and gneisses. Additionally, dikes and migmatites are also observed. The area is defined by the following geographical coordinates. Notably, the Ariana Highland Company holds a 56% stake in this mine, while the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum owns the remaining 44%.