Author: George Hacerian, Research Analyst, Green eDIH
Mining in Romania: Between History and Outlook
Romania has a mining history of over 6,000 years, with archaeological evidence of resource extraction such as gold, copper and salt dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, particularly in the Apuseni, Maramureș and Banat regions. Salt mines such as those at Slănic, Ocnele Mari and Praid have been active for millennia and are among the few mining operations with an almost uninterrupted continuity from Antiquity to modern times.
Mining regions maintained their industrial identity into the 20th century, though often marked by harsh working conditions, social cost externalization and significant environmental impact. In recent decades, many operations were closed, abandoned or placed under conservation, and ecological disasters linked to mining continue to make headlines.
The current context brings raw materials back to the forefront, in a Europe concerned with energy transition, digitalization and supply chain security. The Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), proposed by the European Commission, aims to reduce import dependency by developing domestic capacities for extraction, processing and recycling. For Romania, this framework opens up a discussion on how to sustainably harness available resources to meet the needs of tomorrow’s economy.
Strategic Project Criteria under the CRMA
The Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), proposed in 2023, defines a new category of “strategic projects” deemed essential for reducing the EU’s dependency on raw material imports. To be eligible, a project must meet five criteria: contribute to the Union’s strategic autonomy, comply with high environmental protection standards, add value within the European supply chain, present a clear implementation plan and be technically and economically viable. These projects benefit from faster permitting procedures, with maximum deadlines of 24 months for extraction and 12 months for processing or recycling.
In addition, the CRMA introduces a monitoring mechanism at the EU level to track the progress of Member States in achieving key objectives. The Commission proposes that by 2030, at least 10 percent of the EU’s annual critical raw materials consumption come from domestic extraction, 40 percent from domestic processing and 25 percent from recycling. Furthermore, no single essential raw material should be more than 65 percent dependent on one third-country supplier. The regulation also allows for the creation of strategic raw material reserves at the European level.
CRMA in Action: Between Ambition and Reality
The European Union has approved a list of 47 strategic projects across 13 Member States, targeting the extraction, processing and recycling of critical raw materials. These are meant to support the 2030 objectives. However, the long timelines required to open new mining operations, estimated at 12 to 16 years, may affect the projected rollout.
Romania is among the selected countries, with three approved projects: graphite at Baia de Fier, magnesium in Budureasa and copper at Rovina. The total value of these investments is approximately 615 million euros. The Rovina project, now in an advanced stage, faces opposition from environmental organizations and local communities. This situation illustrates the on-the-ground challenges, even with a favorable European framework in place.
In parallel with developing new extraction capacities, CRMA strategic projects are encouraged to adopt digital solutions for geological modeling, data management and operational optimization, reducing environmental impact and improving economic efficiency.
The Financing Challenge
One of the main implementation challenges of the CRMA is ensuring financing. Although the European Union supports strategic projects through public instruments, many investments still rely on private capital. Companies, however, report barriers such as price volatility, regulatory complexity and long permitting times.
Industry representatives are calling for clearer support measures. Proposals include guaranteed minimum prices, joint procurement schemes and state-backed guarantees for extraction and processing investments. Without such mechanisms, there are concerns that investments will be redirected to other regions, especially given the global competition with the United States and China, which offer stronger financial incentives.
Public Approval
Even with a supportive European framework, the success of critical raw material projects depends largely on local acceptance. In several Member States, including Romania, opposition from communities or environmental organizations has led to delays or blockages.
A relevant example is the Rovina mining project, where legal actions are challenging the environmental permits. At the European level, initiatives not accompanied by transparent public consultation risk losing the social support they need. In this context, the idea of a “social license to operate” is gaining attention. This concept refers to the trust communities place in how a project is conducted. Without that trust, progress remains uncertain, even when the legal framework permits development.
Material Monitoring
One of the directions promoted by the CRMA is reducing dependency on primary resources through better use of recycled materials. For the circular economy to function effectively, technologies that ensure material tracking and standards for integrating them into new products are essential.
Recent examples show the potential of such solutions. Automotive companies are testing blockchain-based digital passports for batteries, which track the origin and composition of raw materials. At the European level, research projects are being funded to identify resources through geological fingerprinting or satellite monitoring. At the same time, industry associations warn about overlapping legal requirements that could discourage the adoption of effective solutions. In this field, digitalization plays a key role in increasing transparency and supply chain efficiency.
Artificial intelligence is also increasingly used to analyze geological data and predict resource availability. 3D scanning technologies and integrated resource management systems help automate processes and enhance the traceability of raw materials from source to finished product.
Skills and Workforce
Although the CRMA sets clear targets in the resource domain, the topic of workforce development is only marginally addressed. Strategic projects require specialists in geology, mining engineering, recycling, digital monitoring and environmental assessment. Currently, these skills are limited, and in some regions completely absent.
To support the transition, a complementary approach is needed, including investments in education and vocational training. Reskilling programs, partnerships between universities and industry and European initiatives focused on green and digital skills could all play a significant role. Without a skilled workforce, the CRMA’s goals risk remaining out of reach, even if funding and regulations are in place. Building a solid base of specialists may become a key factor in long-term success.
Beyond traditional technical skills, there is also a need to train specialists in data analysis, industrial programming and the use of digital platforms for reporting and monitoring. The digitalization of the raw materials sector requires not only modern technologies but also a workforce equipped to implement them.
From Resources to Results
The Critical Raw Materials Act proposes a coherent path toward strengthening Europe’s capacity to manage essential resources. The objectives are clear and some projects are already taking shape. However, implementation depends on factors that cannot be addressed through legislation alone: adequate investment, public support, specialized skills and the integration of digital technologies into industrial processes.
For Romania, the opportunity is real but not without challenges. The available resources can support major projects, but they must be developed responsibly, with respect for communities and a long-term plan. In a fast-changing sector, the ability to adapt will make the difference between potential and tangible results.
Digital technologies are not just supporting tools. They are essential catalysts for transparency, sustainability and competitiveness in the European raw materials supply chain.
The Role of Innovation Ecosystems
In Romania, innovation ecosystems like Green eDIH play an important role in supporting the digitalization and sustainability of the raw materials value chain. Through technological support, consulting and training activities, Green eDIH contributes to developing digital solutions applicable in industry, including in the field of critical raw materials.
Green eDIH collaborates with SMEs, public authorities and research organizations to promote the adoption of emerging technologies, from AI and IoT to traceability and digital resource modeling solutions. It also supports skill development for digital transformation through courses, mentorship and access to testing infrastructure.
In the context of CRMA objectives, Green eDIH is a strategic partner for projects targeting the digitalization of extraction, processing or recycling activities. Integrating these innovation capacities into the national industrial ecosystem is essential not only for economic competitiveness but also for long-term sustainability.
