Romanian Environment Min: Rosia Montana Mining Project Does Not Need EU Approval

"According to EU rules and directives, and the Espoo Convention, we do not need any special authorization from the European Commission, only to follow these rules," said the minister in response to statements by President Traian Basescu.

"Regarding the European Commission's attitude toward cyanide technology: although a European Parliament resolution asks the Commission to analyze the procedure and come up with a proposal for better technology, right now - and I have spoken with Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik twice - the Commission holds the following position: until technologies superior to cyanide mining are found - and, at the moment, there are none - the states must request and follow the best practice guidelines in authorizing such projects," said Borbely.

The minister went on to explain what "best practice" in cyanide mining entails, giving the example of Sweden, which he visited. "They have a closed system which reduces the cyanide concentration so much that, when residual waters flow into the reservoir, this substance cannot even be measured," he said, adding that the company running the Rosia Montana investment has been asked to apply "a similar system."

"I had two requests: that the cyanide concentration be reduced to a level where it is no longer pollutant and funds for ecological restoration, around $160 million, in the project's first years. The investor agreed, in principle, to both requests," said Borbely.

The minister added that all these facts will be included in the authorization, to serve as legal grounds for penalties should they not be observed.

President Basescu said Thursday that the Rosia Montana gold mining project "must be carried out," because Romania needs it, "but only after a renegotiation of the sharing of benefits." The project cannot be started without the European Commission's approval, he added.

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