Graphite was exploited by Salrom in two mining sites: the Catalinu mine (underground mining) and the Ungurelasu quarry (quarrying). The Catalinu mine was closed in 1994, due to lack of technology and management problems. That year, 725 tons of graphite were extracted, per information offered by Salrom representatives. A total 235 people used to work at the two mining sites, back in 1994.
Quarrying was ceased in 2005 due to low demand and small prices that did not enable the continuation of activity under efficient conditions, according to Salrom representatives. During the last year of activity, a total 1,256 tons were extracted from the Ungurelasu quarry.
Graphite can be used in the IT industry, the automotive industry, the carbon-based industry, and it is also a good conductor of electricity.
In 2021, Salrom will invest in new recrystalised salt production installations at Salina Ocna Mures, and the acquisition of an underground salt cutting machine, a premiere for salt exploitation in Romania. For 2021, the company has an investment budget of RON138 million, compared with RON38 million in 2020.
Salrom has seven salt mines, of which five are open for tourism, namely, Salina Praid, Salina Targu Ocna, Salina Slanic Prahova, Salina Cacica, E.M. Valcea.
Salrom had a turnover of RON251 million in 2020, down 50% on the year, and a profit of RON11.4 million, almost sevenfold lower than in 2019, per information offered by company representatives.
Salrom is 51% held by the Romanian State and 49% by property restitution fund Fondul Proprietatea.