Gabriel Resources, Rosia Montana Mine, Romania

Rosia Montana Gold Mine Permitting and Infrastructure Engineering

Rosia Montana Gold Corporation, Romania (a division of Gabriel Resources)

MWH provided the planning, permitting, and infrastructure engineering for development of a new gold mine in northwest Romania. The project will be the first permitted under the European Union's new, more stringent, environmental laws -- creating a model mining project not only for Romania and the EU but for future mining projects worldwide. The project includes the following scope of work:

• A 185-meter-high tailings dam
• A 30-meter-high water management dam
• The development supply of fresh water to the site
• All access and construction roads for facility development
• Tailings distribution and reclaimation system
• Geotechnical engineering for large ore milling equipment foundations and infrastructure
• Environmental impact assessment

MWH’s scope of work includes detailed design for the dams, roadways, plant site structures, and water pump stations and pipelines at the Rosia Montana Mine. A comprehensive geotechnical investigation was conducted to support the designs. In addition, MWH will provide construction oversight for the project.

All activities at the mine have been performed with an effort to balance the economic, historical, environmental, and social impacts of the project. MWH is working hand-in-hand with the client to execute this project with a focus on sustainable development for the Rosia Montana community which is at risk due to poor housing conditions, impacted drinking water from historic mining inadequate medical services, and a lack of employment opportunities.

The initiation of this project will create 1,200 new construction jobs and encourage economic growth and development in the region through the reopening of the mine. The new mine plan will also take into consideration the rich history of the area and include the preservation of the remnants of the Roman mining culture that existed 2000 years ago.

The water supply to the village, polluted by years of uncontrolled mining, will once again be potable water and the community infrastructure will be bolstered with training and services from the Gabriel Resources. MWH’s commitment to this project and shared vision with the client will help deliver a sustainable environment for Rosia Montana and its future generations.

MWH supported the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the site that focused on protecting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems as well as human settlements. It identified and helped manage for potential contamination of water, air, soil with protection against noise and vibration, and proper management of toxic/hazardous substances. Additional controls have been instituted to allow for the assessment and management of wastes generated on the site. The EIA was recently submitted to the Ministry for Water and Environment Protection of Romania for review and approval.