120 million euro for restructuring in mining regions

The National Association for the Development of Mining Areas – ANDZM will use 120 million euro for a program of restructuring in Romania’s mining regions, which have been hard hit by closing mines and social changes. The money comes from the state budget and a World Bank loan for closing mines, environment regeneration and absorbability of social shocks.

Half of the money – some 60 million euro – will be used for social-economic regeneration in 386 settlements affected by closing mines and lay-offs, according to Marcel Hoara, ANDZM general manager. Some 140,000 people have been subjected to massive lay-offs in the sector.

Reports from the area reveal a huge drop in population in the affected areas as many people have left for work abroad and many others live on pensions.

A World Bank representative also said on Monday that it was not yet clear how the money would be used as solutions in this regard are still documented.