Green Group Slams Study on Romania Gold Mine
Date: 25-Aug-06
Country: ROMANIA
Gabriel Resources submitted the report in May in a bid to obtain a licence from the Romanian government to mine for gold in the picturesque Carpathian town of Rosia Montana.
The project has been repeatedly delayed due to reluctance of Romanian authorities and protests from green and cultural groups which say the mine could destroy the area's architectural heritage and harm the environment and nearby villages.
"There is some pretty interesting junk science in this study," said Robert Moran, an international mining consultant, commissioned by Rosia Montana-based rights group Alburnus Maior.
"The study lacks specific details and does not provide quantitative research that would allow regulators to compare data 20 years from now," Moran told a news conference.
He said that without current figures on water and soil contamination and on the health levels of local villagers Romania would not be able to assess any damage from the mine in the future.
Gabriel Resources has said its impact study observes the European Union's latest directive on waste management in the mining sector. Romania wants to join the EU next year.
It could take up to six months for Romania's environment ministry to evaluate the document before it decides whether to grant a construction permit to the Canadian company which hopes to start production in late 2008 or early 2009.
Public consultations on the issue end on Friday.