Romania hopes Praid Salt Mine restoration site to open this year, minister says funds allocated

Romania's interim Environment Minister Diana Buzoianu expressed optimism that the restoration project for the Praid Salt Mine will commence this year. "We have allocated the necessary funds," she stated, emphasizing the urgency of the work.

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At Praid Salt Mine, for example, we currently have the technical indicators to start the works and the first stages have already been completed to begin the works, so that in the future, if another flood like last year's occurs, a catastrophe will not happen, the water can be diverted.

The minister explained that technical indicators are in place to begin construction, with initial stages already underway. The project aims to fortify the mine against future flood events, preventing disasters like the one experienced last year. "We have the plan for the works approved and all the stages have already begun to open the construction site," Buzoianu said.

Beyond structural repairs, the initiative will address water diversion during floods and secure water access for surrounding communities. Buzoianu noted that locals currently rely on a temporary desalination plant, highlighting the need for a permanent solution. Approved works will ensure communities can draw water from the nearest source.

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This year I hope we will have the construction site open. I have allocated the necessary funds for the opening of the construction site and for starting the works.

This effort follows significant damage to the Praid Salt Mine from severe floods in May and June 2025. The Corund River's erosion of its banks impacted infrastructure and caused widespread power outages. The European Union has pledged 14.3 million euros from its Solidarity Fund to help compensate for flood damages across Romania, with the Praid Salt Mine being a notable beneficiary of this aid.

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We just voted, in the plenary session of the European Parliament, for a report that provides for the allocation of 14.3 million euros for Romania, money from the European Union Solidarity Fund.