Rosia Montana gold mine, Romania

In 1999, Gabriel Resources, the Canadian mining company, was granted the right to mine gold in the Rosia Montana area in Romania. Rosia Montana was to become Europe’s largest open-cast gold mining project. As Gabriel, the Barbados-registered company with no mining experience whatsoever, is seeking to keep its costs low, they plan to use the controversial cyanide leaching method.

The project involves the resettlement and relocation of 1800 people living in 740 houses and 138 flats, as well as eight churches and connected cemeteries: overall, 38 percent of the Rosia Montana commune area is to be affected by the new mining development.

Following strong local and international NGO protest, the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) decided not to support the project in 2002. But the threat to the local community remains. With Gabriel Resources planning to go ahead with private capital, the need for continued support for people living in Rosia Montana is still very acute.

The local NGO Alburnus Maior to date continues its Rosia Montana campaign. Comprehensive information about the project and the campaign is available at the Rosia Montana campaign website.