Press Release: “Winning or Losing? Major Environmental Problems Caused by Mineral Resource Extraction in the Republic of Moldova”

The extractive industry contributes about 0.2% to Moldova's economy, yet the environmental damage it causes exceeds MDL 80 million a year, according to the Environmental Protection Inspectorate. That figure covers only legal extraction, not illegal quarries, and excludes air and water pollution, landslides and lost infrastructure. Much mining takes place in scenic areas, including the “Emil Racoviță” Cave in Criva, where explosions affect the site and almost every home is cracked.

Speakers said these places could prosper through tourism instead. They also called the legislation outdated, saying the Subsoil Code needs fundamental revision and urging central authorities to work with local authorities, civil society and business. The issues are covered in the Expert-Grup study on the use of mineral resources in Moldova.