"I can tell you that I’ve talked to experts about sodium sulphate used in another technology for gold mining. They say that in this case more toxic reagents are produced that go into the dump and degrades much more difficultly compared to cyanide, "said Rovana Plumb according Agerpres.
"Regarding the operator’s proposal, this is one that has been used for more than a century and it is much improved. The technology the operator brings along meets all the criteria of best practices", the minister added.
Asked what will happen if they discover other chemical ores besides gold and silver in Rosia Montana, Rovana Plumb explained that it would require another license.
"The agreement discussed between the state and the operator refers only to gold and silver. Should there be any other chemicals, during the stages of operation, they will be the subject of other licenses, required by law, "said the Environment Minister.
The idea of introducing a new technology for the extraction of gold was raised recently by researcher Jack Goldstein. He argues that technology is not only clean, but it would not require scraping mountains and thus destroying the landscape or the Roman galleries.
Also Rovana Plumb said that in the new version of the project, the ministry reduced the cyanide concentrate to a third compared to the European limit laid down in the European Directive which is 10 parts per million.
"The initial project allowed 5-6 parts per million in the cesspool. We have ensured that the investor will use the latest technology to neutralize cyanide. We have ensured that cyanide will be used only in closed circuit, under control, and transportation will be strictly controlled, "said Rovana Plumb.
"In order to decontaminate the area of its historical pollution it takes an investment of 300 million Euros. Historical pollution is on site and there are many actions to be undertaken. The Romanian state has the capability to monitor and control environmental conditions imposed, but the investment to be made is very large and we cannot afford it. For Rosia Montana alone, about 300 million Euros is needed. In Romania there are over 300 historically contaminated sites, “said the Environment Minister.
The MPs from the special committee on Rosia Montana convened Tuesday to discuss the investments that the Canadians form Roşia Montană Gold Corporation (RMGC) will make in the gold mining project.
Starting Wednesday, for two days, the committee members will go to Rosia Montana, where they will talk to the representatives of the miners, of the Roşia Montană Gold Corporation and of the NGOs and local authorities.
Ştiri video recomandate
