“The deforestation of over 700 hectares and the expansion of coal mines on this area should comply with EU environment norms, observing the principle of durable development,” Catalina Radulescu, lawyer and member of Bankwatch Romania, stated.
The coal mines in Gorj county supply the thermal power plants of Romanian state-run energy holding CE Oltenia.
In February, CE Oltenia announced it will invest 2.5 million lei (EUR550 million) in the next 15 years in developing two new coal mines in southwestern county of Gorj, estimated to increase the company’s coal production by 50%.