Research on the Closure and Remediation Processes of Mining Areas in Romania and Approaches to the Strategy for Heavy Metal Pollution Remediation

Violeta Monica Radu, Anca Marina Vîjdea (), Alexandru Anton Ivanov, Veronica Elena Alexe, George Dincă, Valentina Maria Cetean and Andra Elena Filiuță
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Violeta Monica Radu: Geological Institute of Romania, 012271 Bucharest, Romania
Anca Marina Vîjdea: Geological Institute of Romania, 012271 Bucharest, Romania
Alexandru Anton Ivanov: Geological Institute of Romania, 012271 Bucharest, Romania
Veronica Elena Alexe: Geological Institute of Romania, 012271 Bucharest, Romania
George Dincă: Geological Institute of Romania, 012271 Bucharest, Romania
Valentina Maria Cetean: Geological Institute of Romania, 012271 Bucharest, Romania
Andra Elena Filiuță: Geological Institute of Romania, 012271 Bucharest, Romania

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 21, 1-20

Abstract: Mining activities often generate important amounts of extractive waste, and, as a consequence, environmental impacts that affect all factors to a greater or lesser extent. Depending on a variety of variables, the impact can be permanent or temporary, reversible or irreversible, negative or positive. This study conducted research on the status of closure and remediation processes of mining areas in Romania, specifically in the counties of Maramureș, Suceava, Harghita, Alba, Hunedoara and Caraș-Severin. Furthermore, based on the type and level of pollution, the degree of application of remediation techniques for water and soil pollution in the investigated mining areas was studied. From the analysed information, it is evident that although the closure and remediation process started in Romania over 20 years ago, unfortunately, to this day, the technical projects, technical assistance, and execution of closure and remediation works have not yet completely solved the complex environmental issues in the mining sector. Most of the tailing ponds and waste piles of former mines continue to pose permanent specific risks to the environment and the population. This study concludes that the mining sector in Romania, although it has the necessary techniques and technologies for the ecological rehabilitation of degraded lands related to the Extractive Waste Facilities and the elimination of negative impacts on the environment and public health, has not yet been able to fully concretize its remediation efforts.

Keywords: heavy metals; mining activities; pollution; remediation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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