New salt mine in Praid could be built in 18 months, says former minister

The construction of a new salt mine in Praid, Romania, could be completed in approximately eighteen months, according to former Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan. He based this estimate on feasibility studies and expert assessments he has reviewed.

"That's what the specialists told me, based on the feasibility study, how long it takes," Ivan stated during an interview. He stressed the need for the Ministry of Economy and the state-owned company Salrom to seriously pursue the project. Ivan expressed concern that environmental activism could lead to lengthy delays, potentially adding "another 10 years" to the timeline if NGOs obstruct the environmental permit process.

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That's what the specialists told me, based on the feasibility study, how long it takes.

Ivan also commented on the political landscape, describing the no-confidence motion as a normal democratic mechanism. He explained that in any democracy, it is standard procedure for a parliamentary majority to initiate such a motion if they no longer support the government, leading to the government's dismissal if the motion passes.

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If NGOs find some 'mollusks' there who block the environmental permit, it will take another 10 years.