Romanian gov’t suspends Canadian firm gold mining project
The Romanian government has suspended a plan by Gabriel Resources Ltd. to create a gold mine in central Transylvania, Rosia Montana, saying it lacks necessary documentation.
Gabriel Resources’ request for an urbanism certificate - which sets out what approvals will be needed to obtain planning permission - has been legally challenged by environmentalist groups and the Soros Foundation’s Open Society Institute, and there is an ongoing legal dispute. “The moment the company presents a legal urbanism certificate,” it can go ahead, said Environment Minister Attila Korodi.
Gabriel Resources CEO Alan Hill said the company was disappointed by the move and accused environmentalist groups of “abusing the Romanian court system by launching frivolous lawsuits ... further evidence of their lack of respect for the rule of law in Romania.” He added: “For the ministry to suspend the process before the court has even heard the case is outrageous.”
Rosia Montana gold mine has been racked by controversy for years. The Hungarian government has voiced concerns because the mine would be 190 kilometers from its border and it fears the use of cyanide to extract gold ore could threaten the environment. In 2000 a spill at a gold mining company in Romania killed much of the aquatic life in the Tisza River, which also runs through Hungary and is a tributary of the Danube River. (Gazdasági Rádió, canadianpress)
ADVERTISEMENT
Varga Augurs Return to Growth in H2 2023
Gov't Extends Deposit Rate Cap Till Year-end
Scope Changes Outlook on Magyar Telekom Rating to Positive
Esztergom Guest Nights up 15% in July
SUPPORT THE BUDAPEST BUSINESS JOURNAL
Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For 27 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.
Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.
