MINEX Forum

Tag: Romania

  • Kazatomprom and Romania’s SN Nuclearelectrica Discuss Expanding Uranium Supply Cooperation

    Kazatomprom and Romania’s SN Nuclearelectrica Discuss Expanding Uranium Supply Cooperation

    Kazatomprom, Kazakhstan’s national atomic company, held discussions with Romania’s Ministry of Energy and state-owned company SN Nuclearelectrica S.A. regarding the expansion of natural uranium supplies and the development of the beryllium industry.

    A key outcome of the talks was the discussion of terms for a ten-year contract to supply Kazakhstani natural uranium for Romania’s current and planned nuclear power plants. Kazatomprom anticipates that the contract will strengthen long-term cooperation between the two countries and provide reliable raw material supplies for Romania’s nuclear energy sector.

    Additionally, the Ulba Metallurgical Plant (UMP), a subsidiary of Kazatomprom, may begin processing Romanian beryllium. Romanian representatives expressed interest in scientific and technical cooperation with UMP and further exploration of processing beryllium raw materials from Romanian deposits. UMP specializes in processing beryllium and tantalum and exports its products globally.

    In Kazatomprom’s 2024 report, uranium production (proportional to its ownership share) reached 12.3 thousand tons, marking a 10% increase from 11.1 thousand tons in 2023 and 11.4 thousand tons in 2022. This growth was mainly driven by joint ventures Budenovskoye, Akbastau, and Karatau.

    However, production of beryllium products fell to 735.1 tons in 2024, down from 842.8 tons in 2023 and 1,295.4 tons in 2022. Tantalum production also declined, with 135.1 tons produced in 2024 compared to 153.8 tons in 2023 and 165.3 tons in 2022.

    Kazatomprom’s 2024 financial report stated that revenue reached 1.81 trillion tenge (up from 1.43 trillion tenge in 2023). The largest consumers of Kazakh uranium and other products included:

    • China: 663.7 billion tenge (522.5 billion tenge in 2023)

    • Kazakhstan: 336.6 billion tenge (182.6 billion tenge)

    • Russia: 253.2 billion tenge (215 billion tenge)

    • Canada: 164.9 billion tenge (131.1 billion tenge)

    • USA: 140.9 billion tenge (152.5 billion tenge)

    • France: 110.9 billion tenge (82.6 billion tenge)

    • United Kingdom: 44.7 billion tenge (40.6 billion tenge)

    • UAE: 29.3 billion tenge (no imports in 2023)

    Other countries purchased Kazakh products worth 69.2 billion tenge, down from 107.6 billion tenge in 2023. Although Romania was not among the largest consumers, Kazatomprom confirmed it continues to supply its products to the country.

  • Romania Revives Europe’s Largest Graphite Deposit with €200 Million Investment

    Romania Revives Europe’s Largest Graphite Deposit with €200 Million Investment

    Romania is set to breathe new life into Europe’s largest graphite deposit, located in Baia de Fier, 235 kilometers west of Bucharest, after 21 years of dormancy. Once a bustling site employing 500 workers, the area now stands as a landscape of decaying metal structures and rusted machinery. However, thanks to nearly €200 million ($227 million) in funding from the European Commission, the Romanian Salt Company is preparing to restart operations. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce Europe’s reliance on critical materials from China, reflecting shifting global geopolitical dynamics.

    The European Commission has designated the Baia de Fier site as one of three strategic mining projects in Romania. The country will receive a total of €615 million ($698 million) from Brussels, with graphite extraction prioritized for its applications in electric vehicle batteries, energy storage systems, electronics, and machine manufacturing, according to Andreea Nestian, Financial Director at A3Build, a consulting firm specializing in mining.

    Two other projects highlighted by the EU include metallic magnesium extraction in Budureasa and copper mining in Rovina, both also located in western Romania. “Magnesium is crucial for producing lightweight alloys used in the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries,” Nestian said, underscoring Europe’s heavy dependency on imports. Meanwhile, the Rovina copper deposit is recognized as the second-largest in Europe, although its development has faced legal challenges from environmentalists.

    In a bid to attract further financial support, Romanian authorities have informed Brussels about additional mineral reserves, including titanium, boron, quartz, phosphorus, germanium, tungsten, gallium, and rare earth elements. Romanian Minister of Economy Bogdan Ivan highlighted their significance across diverse sectors, such as aerospace, medical equipment, solar technologies, and defense.

    Despite the optimism surrounding the revival of Baia de Fier, the project faces significant hurdles. Many of the former workers have retired or emigrated, and Romania’s sole faculty of mining is struggling to attract students due to waning interest in the industry. Experts stress that substantial external investment and a skilled workforce will be crucial for the mine’s successful reactivation.

    The Romanian government plans to submit the project proposal to the European Commission in the third quarter of this year, although a start date for mining operations remains undecided.

  • Vast Resources Advances Mining Operations in Romania and Seeks New Investment Partnerships

    Vast Resources Advances Mining Operations in Romania and Seeks New Investment Partnerships

    Vast Resources, a mining company with operations in Romania, Tajikistan, and Zimbabwe, has announced the continuation of production activities at the Băița Plai polymetallic mine in Romania while initiating discussions for a joint venture with other mining companies to attract foreign investment, according to Economica.net.


    At Băița Plai, Vast reported the mining of 13,562 tonnes during the second half of 2024, alongside the production of 307.8 tonnes of copper concentrate with an average copper grade of 18.06%. Mining operations are running in parallel with underground drilling and reprofiling work.


    The company is also in discussions with potential off-takers and financiers regarding the restart of mining at the Manaila Polymetallic Mine, fully owned by Vast Resources Romania.


    Meanwhile, at the former Hanes Gold Mine, operated under a management contract, Vast has commenced on-site development after a harsh winter. A gravity concentrator has been installed to process gold and polymetallic alluvial minerals directly from the surface, with production expected to start this quarter. Additionally, facilities are prepared to truck significant quantities of ore to Băița Plai for processing, pending approval of new transport permits.


    Vast also confirmed receipt of separation tests for its Blueberry Gold Project, demonstrating gold extraction without the use of cyanide.

  • Euro Sun Mining’s Rovina Valley Project: A Comprehensive Evaluation

    Euro Sun Mining’s Rovina Valley Project: A Comprehensive Evaluation

    Euro Sun Mining’s Rovina Valley Project is set to be evaluated on multiple critical factors. This assessment will consider how its copper contributes to Europe’s energy transition, the number of local jobs created, the success of regional gentrification, and the improvement of infrastructure in Hunedoara County. Equally important is the project’s environmental stewardship and its relationship with the natural ecosystem.

    Environmental Baseline Data Collection: An Integral Component

    For Euro Sun Mining, environmental baseline data collection remains key at every stage of the project—from exploration and development to full-scale operations. Establishing a reference point for existing environmental conditions ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and helps minimize future ecological and social impacts.

    Key Elements of Environmental Baseline Data Collection

    1. Physical Environment

    Climate & Meteorology: For over a decade, Euro Sun Mining has measured and recorded temperature, precipitation, humidity, and wind patterns using weather stations throughout the mining concession.

    Geology & Soil: Extensive mining drill programs have provided critical environmental data on soil composition, stability, erosion potential, and possible contamination.

    Hydrology & Hydrogeology: Monitoring surface water bodies, groundwater levels, flow rates, flow direction, and overall water quality is crucial in mine planning. Data is verified by independent experts. Monthly flow charts of streams provide a baseline of water hydrology around the site.

    Air Quality: Baseline air quality measurements include dust, gases (CO₂, NOx, SO₂), and heavy metals.

    2. Biological Environment

    Flora: The concession area contains indigenous vegetation that regenerates quickly. Satellite imagery and ground-truthing techniques are used to map this vegetation. For every tree removed, Euro Sun Mining commits to planting three trees.

    Fauna: The project’s relatively small footprint minimizes impact on wildlife. Livestock grazing and hunting activities will be curtailed during the life-of-mine.

    Aquatic Life & Water Quality: Baseline sampling of rivers and groundwater establishes data for metals, pH, turbidity, and nutrients. Although a small stream may require diversion, fish populations, water biodiversity, and overall ecosystem health will remain unaffected.

    3. Socio-Economic & Cultural Environment

    Land Use & Zoning: Current land use data has been mapped, and future development plans are available for public review.

    Population & Demographics: In collaboration with local governments, Euro Sun Mining tracks population trends in Criscior and Brad, analyzing household livelihoods and employment patterns.

    Indigenous & Cultural Heritage: While no cultural heritage sites exist within the mining area, nearby sacred sites are designated for restoration and preservation once mining operations begin.

    Public Health & Safety: Euro Sun Mining ensures baseline health and safety conditions are integrated into the mine plan, working within European legislation and alongside local governments.

    Data Collection Methods

    Field Surveys & Sampling: Includes soil and rock testing, water sampling, and air quality monitoring.

    Remote Sensing & GIS Mapping: Utilizes satellite imagery and drone surveys to analyze terrain, vegetation cover, and water bodies.

  • Romanian Government Extends Mining Licenses and Regulates Mineral Deposits

    Romanian Government Extends Mining Licenses and Regulates Mineral Deposits

    The Romanian government has approved key legislative measures to regulate mineral exploitation across various regions, including Alba and Bistrița-Năsăud counties. Among the decisions is the registration of the Dealul Jgheabului and Pârâul Româneasa deposits as state public property, aligning with the country’s Mining Law.

    Additionally, the government extended the exploitation license for the Roșia Poieni mining perimeter by five years, until January 31, 2030. This move allows SC CUPRU MIN SA Abrud to continue extracting copper ore, limestone, and andesite under updated technical and economic conditions.

    Similarly, the mining licenses for dacite exploitation in the Tunel I – Măgura Ilvei and Poiana Ilvei – Măgura Sturzii perimeters have been extended for five years, with the possibility of successive renewals. These licenses, held by Romcim SA, ensure continued extraction activities within their respective areas.

    The license extensions include adjustments to mining royalties in accordance with recent legislative updates. These decisions reflect the government’s strategy to regulate and support mining operations while maintaining state control over critical mineral resources.

  • Romania to Extend Operation of Coal Power Plants for Three Years

    Romania to Extend Operation of Coal Power Plants for Three Years

    The Romanian government has announced plans to extend the operational life of its coal-fired power plants by three years. Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja explained that this temporary measure is necessary due to delays in securing sufficient alternative facilities, particularly natural gas plants. Romania, committed to phasing out coal by 2032 under its National Recovery and Resilience Plan, has faced setbacks in replacing coal plants with gas and renewable energy. Efforts to replace the existing infrastructure, including the restructuring of CE Oltenia, have been delayed, causing the need for a short-term solution. The proposal for the extension will be submitted to the European Commission for approval. The delay in constructing new energy plants, such as the gas-fired units planned for Complexul Energetic Oltenia, has been a key factor in the decision.

  • Romania Secures EUR 790 Million to Close Coal Mines in Jiu Valley

    Romania Secures EUR 790 Million to Close Coal Mines in Jiu Valley

    Romania has received EUR 790 million from the European Union to support the closure of four uncompetitive coal mines in the Jiu Valley, the country’s primary coal region. The European Commission approved the funding under EU state aid rules, ensuring it covers exceptional social and safety costs tied to the coal phaseout.

    The four mines—Lonea, Lupeni, Livezeni, and Vulcan—along with the Paroșeni power plant, are operated by Societatea Complexul Energetic Valea Jiului S.A. The financial package will support workers displaced by the closures and fund essential safety measures, including mine shaft security, environmental remediation, and land recultivation.

    Jiu Valley is part of the EU’s Coal Regions in Transition Initiative, launched in 2017. This funding aligns with Romania’s pledge to phase out coal by 2032 as per its National Recovery and Resilience Plan. However, recent analyses by Transelectrica, the national electricity transmission operator, suggest coal may vanish from Romania’s energy mix as early as 2026.

    The allocated funds will cover eligible costs from October 1, 2023, to December 31, 2032, and an independent consultant will ensure compliance, including limiting coal extraction to public safety needs. Romania has also committed to annual reporting to maintain transparency in the transition process.

  • Romania Plans to Phase Out Coal Power Plants by 2026

    Romania Plans to Phase Out Coal Power Plants by 2026

    Transelectrica reportedly doesn’t see coal power plants having any share in Romania’s transmission system in 2026and beyond. The official phaseout deadline is 2032.

    Romania’s electricity transmission system operator Transelectrica is working on a ten-year plan through 2033. According to media reports, the draft shows coal power gone already in 2026. A similar announcement has just emerged in Greece, while Bulgaria is struggling even to keep its sole state-owned facility online.

    Until a few years ago, the three countries were hesitating to determine coal phaseout dates or delaying them. Now even newer or reconstructed plants of the kind across Europe are reducing capacity utilization or abruptly shutting down. For instance, the ContourGlobal Maritsa East 3 coal-fired power plant in Bulgaria recently fired almost all its employees.

    Expenses are high because of the allowances that producers must buy via the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). They also face ever stricter environmental requirements, making coal power uncompetitive.

    On the other hand, an uncontrolled collapse of the sector could jeopardize the security of energy supply. The rapid cut in coal power capacities makes the region’s energy consumers vulnerable to cold spells in the winter.

    Romania leans on gas power to cover the 2026 coal exit. The market has decimated coal plant production. In Romania in particular, it is evident from the forced transformation of state-owned coal miner and power plant operator Complexul Energetic Oltenia (CE Oltenia).

    Active coal plants had an overall 1.9 GW in April, compared to 5.3 GW in 2012. CE Oltenia plans to replace them with gas power facilities in Ișalnița and Turceni by 2026. With projects of other Romanian energy companies like Electrocentrale Bucharest (ELCEN), the new capacity is seen at 4.5 GW.

    Romania is officially planning to complete its coal phaseout in 2032.

    Minister of Energy Sebastian Burduja recently said Transelectrica’s report would determine the parts of the national electricity system that are in deficit. The last heat wave disturbed the wholesale trade in the region and catapulted power prices.

    Burduja insisted that the situation would have been much worse without renewables. The authorities want to eliminate coal by 2026 because Romania will double its interconnection capacity with neighboring countries to 7 GW next year, according to Radu Miruță, a member of parliament from the opposition Save Romania Union (USR) and its head in Gorj county, a major coal hub. The country is upgrading the interconnections to buy, not to sell, in Miruță’s view.

    The fate of coal industry workers and entire communities hangs in the balance. The implications are serious for national economies as well. The European Union’s just transition programs seem to need a boost.

  • Gabriel Resources Seeks Annulment of ICSID Decision on Rosia Montana Project

    Gabriel Resources Seeks Annulment of ICSID Decision on Rosia Montana Project

    Canadian mining company Gabriel Resources has filed a claim seeking the annulment of a decision by the World Bank’s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in March, which dismissed the company’s claims against Romania for compensation regarding its unsuccessful Rosia Montana gold mining project. Gabriel Resources has also requested a stay of enforcement for the court costs awarded to Romania, amounting to approximately $10 million (9.23 million euros), the mining company announced on Monday.

    “The Arbitral Decision must be annulled due to fatal defects in the constitution of the ICSID tribunal given that two of the arbitrators who rendered the majority decision […] lacked the qualities of independence and impartiality that the ICSID Convention requires, and failed to adequately disclose relationships between themselves and with the parties involved in the case, including Romania’s counsel,” the company stated.

    Gabriel Resources argues that the arbitrators’ decision is flawed due to excesses of power during the litigation, including disregard for applicable law, departure from procedural rules, and failure to state reasons for several decisions made during the arbitration. The litigation was initiated in 2015 by Toronto Stock Exchange-listed Gabriel Resources, whose main business has been the exploration and development of the Rosia Montana project in Romania, a major undeveloped gold deposit.

    Gabriel Resources claimed around $6.7 billion in damages from Romania, including interest, as noted by Leaua Damcali Deaconu Paunescu, the Romanian legal team representing Romania in the case, in a March press release.

    Gabriel Resources has held a license for the Rosia Montana gold and silver mine in Romania’s Alba county since 2000. The project was blocked by the Romanian state in 2014, following nationwide protests against its development that began in the fall of 2013 and lasted several months. The project faced significant opposition from environmentalists, local residents, and various civil groups, primarily due to concerns over the use of cyanide in the mining process and the displacement of local communities.

  • Gabriel Resources Appeals ICSID Decision on Roșia Montană Gold Mining Project

    Gabriel Resources Appeals ICSID Decision on Roșia Montană Gold Mining Project

    Gabriel Resources, a Canadian company, has filed an appeal against a recent decision by the Washington Arbitration Court (ICSID), challenging Romania’s victory in the dispute over the Roșia Montană gold mining project. The ICSID, part of the World Bank’s settlement center, had dismissed all claims brought by Gabriel Resources, which alleged expropriation of investments and breaches of bilateral agreements by the Romanian government. The appeal cites “fatal flaws” in the tribunal’s composition, alleging lack of impartiality and inadequate disclosure of relationships among arbitrators and involved parties. Gabriel Resources seeks annulment of the decision and suspension of a USD 10 million court cost award to Romania, pending the outcome.