WITI Connect & Collaborate The First Blue: Inside Afghanistan’s Forbidden Lapis Mines

Some stories begin deep beneath the earth and go on to shape the world. On Saturday, April 25, WITI Connect & Collaborate welcomes international explorer, researcher, and cultural preservation advocate Justin Fornal for a remarkable journey into one of the most remote and historically significant places on Earth: the ancient lapis mines of Northern Afghanistan.

For more than 9,000 years, the Sar-i Sang mines in the Hindu Kush mountains have yielded one of history’s most treasured stones-Lapis Lazuli, the radiant mineral known as “The First Blue.” Revered by ancient civilizations and later used by Renaissance masters such as Leonardo da Vinci and Johannes Vermeer, this extraordinary stone has influenced art, trade, culture, and global history in ways few materials ever have.

In this immersive and visually rich presentation, Justin Fornal shares the story behind his expedition to the source of this legendary “Blue Gold.” Through his organization, the History, Arts, & Science Action Network, Justin works to preserve vanishing cultural traditions in conflict-affected regions around the world. His work has taken him through Somalia, Iraq, Uganda, Haiti, Yemen, and many other countries, where he documents hidden histories, endangered heritage, and the resilience of local communities.

This session will take attendees beyond headlines and into the lived reality of cultural preservation under pressure. From high-stakes geopolitics to dangerous mountain crossings, Justin will reveal how this semi-precious stone traveled from ancient Afghan caves to the center of world art and commerce. Just as importantly, he will introduce us to the modern Afghan artisans and communities working against incredible odds to protect their heritage and keep these traditions alive.

What Attendees Will Learn:

The history and global significance of Lapis Lazuli, one of the world’s oldest luxury materials
How Afghanistan’s Sar-i Sang mines shaped trade, art, and cultural exchange across civilizations
What it takes to lead research expeditions through politically complex and physically challenging environments
How cultural preservation efforts can protect endangered traditions in conflict-affected regions
The human stories of Afghan artisans and communities fighting to preserve their heritage
Why understanding the intersection of history, art, science, and geopolitics matters more than ever today

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that blends exploration, history, resilience, and cultural insight. Come connect with the WITI community and discover a story of heritage, humanity, and the color that helped shape civilization.