“Reopen mining projects that have become profitable,” Basescu told lawmakers.
He explained he is not in the position to discuss the commercial aspects of mining projects and whether Romania has the necessary funds or requires foreign investments.
“This is the true gold of a society – jobs,” the head of state said.
Basescu has previously expressed support for a gold mining project at Rosia Montana, western Romania, developed by a joint-venture between the Romanian state and Canadian mining company Gabriel Resources. The project has been on the table since the 1990s but has met with fierce opposition from environmental activists because it entails the use of cyanide.