Protests against exploitation at Roşia Montană

Several hundred people, representatives of NGOs who oppose the exploitation of mineral resources in Roşia Montană area challenge the recent decision of the National Commission of Archaeology that approved the removal of archaeological resources from the Câlnic Mountain, despite the fact that it houses artifacts of primary importance, according to those who protest.

The decision has opened up the discussion on whether to start a mining project in the area.

The removal of archaeological resources is according to law the first step for a historic monument to be removed from the list of protected monuments in order to be included once again in the economic circuit.

Archeology specialists ask Prime Minister Boc to reject the certificate, pointing out among others that within the area there are tens of kilometers of tunnels, some dating back to Roman times, which are unique in Europe and are not being exploited yet.

Moreover, they accuse the authorities of infringing a final and irrevocable decision given by the Alba Iulia Court of Appeal in 2006, according to which another certificate removing archaeological resources from this area was cancelled.

Roşia Montana Gold Corporation confirmed, through the voice of Cătălin Hossu,that they had received the certificate and hey connected that victory to only one aspect of their work that satisfied some of the locals.

"We confirm the receipt of the certificate for removing archaeological resources from the Câlnic Mountain. We have started the works for protecting and enhancing the cultural heritage in Roşia Montană, costing 70 million dollars."

"This is a significant contribution to cultural heritage and unprecedented in Romania coming from a private company", Cătălin Hossu said.

Renate Weber has a viewpoint that she can support as an MEP.

"It seems extraordinary that this certificate has arrived just when great and sustained efforts are being made in order for the Roşia Montană property to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site."

"God forbid that the authorities in Romania should care to preserve the heritage of this country and do everything in its powers for this heritage to be included on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List, God forbid that our authorities should do anything than destroy. I

" simply cannot understand. It really seems to me a terrible lack of transparency because in the press release they talked about a partial removal of archaeological resources", Renate Weber also mentioned.

"So, we understand this: part of the mountain will be blown up, some of the mines out there, so archaeological sites, will partially be destroyed and I truly hope that the organisations that have been in charge so far of the preservation archaeological sites as well of the environment in Roşia Montană will go back to court and fight for the annulment of the certificate for removing archaeological resources", Renate Weber said.

On Monday another MEP, Daciana Sârbu, submitted a letter to the European Commission Presidents, Donald Tusk and Jose Manuel Barroso, requiring the inclusion of the prohibition of using cyanide mining technologies on the list of priorities also.



Translated by: Denisse-Meda Bucura
MA Student, MTTLC, Bucharest University