Rășinari residents vote 98% against any mining exploitation

Residents of Rășinari, a commune in Sibiu County known for its pastoral heritage and mountain landscapes, have voted overwhelmingly against any mining exploitation on their territory. In a local referendum held on Sunday, 8 November, 98.43% of valid votes were cast against the proposal, according to provisional results published by Romania's Permanent Electoral Authority (AEP).

Turnout reached 50.64%, with 2,244 of 4,431 registered voters taking part. To be valid, the referendum needed a turnout above 30% and valid votes exceeding 25% of all registered electors, both thresholds being comfortably met. Of the valid votes, 2,194 residents answered "No" to the question "Are you in favour of any mining exploitation on the administrative-territorial area of Rășinari commune?", while 35 people voted "Yes".

The referendum was held in the context of a planned magnesite mining project at Valea Dobra, developed by the Romanian company Mineral Proiect Invest SA. The company announced in September 2026 that it had received a concession licence for the integrated magnesium project at Rășinari-Săliște, which it describes as the first advanced-stage integrated magnesium project in the European Union. The company says the surface quarry would occupy around seven hectares over an estimated 20-year operating period, with investment for this phase put at approximately 25 million euros. The wider integrated project has been presented as involving cumulative investment of over 400 million euros.

Rășinari sits in the Mărginimea Sibiului area, a region valued for its cultural traditions, pastoral life and growing tourism. Local voices had raised concerns about potential effects on the landscape, environment and tourism before the vote, and Sunday's result suggests a clear preference among those who turned out.

The provisional outcome will need to be confirmed by the local electoral authorities, but the margin leaves little doubt about the community's position. The referendum is consultative and will now be taken into account by local decision-makers.