Implementation of the Romanian Mining Strategy 2017-2035, with special regard to pit coal: failure or abandonment?

University of Petroșani, Environmental Engineering and Geology Department, str. Universității no.20, Petroșani, Romania

^* Corresponding author: mirgeorgescu@gmail.com

Abstract

Jiu Valley is currently the only national mining basin capable of producing pit coal. Romania has undergone an extensive industrial restructuring in the last 30 years, including mining, which has led to job losses, generated economic-social and environmental effects that have severely affected the quality of life of the inhabitants of mining communities. As a consequence, the Mining Strategy of Romania 2017 - 2035 was elaborated. The paper analyses the objectives, measures and actions provided in the strategy related to the exploitation of pit coal, putting, face to face, the true state of the mines and the inhabitants of Jiu Valley. 4 years after the elaboration of the Strategy, it is clear that it has not yet come to life: mines are still being closed, there is no clear vision for the sustainable development of mining communities, the mine closure process, the greening of post-closure areas is difficult or not at all, research (e.g. capture of methane from coal), development and innovation are not stimulated, the operation of coal-fired power plants is endangered, with major implications on the supply of inhabitants with heating and of domestic hot water -resulting in major discomfort for locals.