Extension of copper mining in Abrud on government investment project list

The expansion of copper mining and processing in Abrud is on the list of projects that the Ministry of Investment and European Funds is considering, says Minister Marcel Bolos. He spoke on Friday with representatives of local administrations and the extractive industry in Alba county, to whom he told them that the production of finished products in Romania is of strategic interest.

Marcel Bolos: We are discussing a package of projects, which includes both the expansion of copper mining and the other project, which concerns copper processing. We are open and I am convinced that we will have a partnership with the local authorities, if the investor for the processing part will be found, we can only support it, because, as you can realize, it is Romania's wealth, that processing can take place in our country.

Recently, the European Commission approved a list of 47 strategic projects in the field of so-called critical materials, which are essential elements for the country's cutting-edge technologies. Romania is included with three projects, aimed at exploiting the exploitation of copper, magnesium and graphite.

The prioritization made by the European Commission means, among other things, a reduction of the approval period by no more than two years, compared with 10 at present, and is also a guarantee for investors and financial institutions that want to lend to these projects.

Translated by: Radu Matei