This publication is a collaborative effort by Friends of the Earth Europe, EEB, Mining Watch Romania, Salvăm Rovina, and MINOB.

This factsheet is part of a series of case studies on contested mining projects, developed by civil society organisations. The factsheets illustrate the structural problems associated with mining projects in Europe and beyond, with a view to integrate the experiences of front line communities in EU policies. This factsheet is part of a series of case studies on contested mining projects, developed by civil society organisations. The factsheets illustrate the structural problems associated with mining projects in Europe and beyond, with a view to integrate the experiences of front line communities in EU policies.

The Rovina Valley gold-copper mining project has raised significant concerns related to transparency, environmental impact, and potential conflicts of interest. The mining license was granted to a British Virgin Island offshore company, raising questions about the transparency of the bidding process and whether all relevant factors, such as socio-environmental responsibility, including during project closure, were considered. In environmental terms, the Rovina project is particularly concerning due to the significant environmental risk posed by a subterranean river deviation and large-scale tailings structures of the mine consisting of two open-pits at the Colnic and Rovina deposits. Residents in the area are concerned about their future, as traditional livelihoods and nature tourism are put at risk by the project, with numerous farms to be expropriated to the west of Rovina. An environmental permit issued for the project was annulled in early 2024 due to numerous shortcomings of the project proposal and its environmental impact assessment.