Romania’s state-owned National Salt Company, Salrom, has received an extension for its graphite exploitation license in the Ungurelașu–Polovragi area, reinforcing its role in Europe’s drive to secure domestic sources of strategic raw materials. The development is part of a wider European Commission initiative aimed at reducing reliance on imports for battery-critical materials.
Salrom’s graphite project is one of 47 strategic initiatives selected by the European Commission under its programme to support the production and processing of key raw materials across 13 EU countries. The company has requested €198.3 million in EU funding to build the extraction and processing infrastructure necessary to produce battery-grade graphite.
The initiative includes the extraction of graphite shale, the establishment of advanced refining facilities, and the production of high-purity graphite — a crucial component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and energy storage systems. If approved, the project could position Romania as a key graphite supplier in the EU.
Salrom highlighted the economic and strategic importance of the investment, calling it a major opportunity to “maximize the potential of this useful mineral substance.” Graphite is currently listed as a critical raw material due to its essential role in the energy transition and Europe’s limited domestic supply.
The Ungurelașu–Polovragi project is one of three Romanian ventures backed under the EU’s strategic raw materials programme.
