The Economy Ministry says it will not give up coal mining orproduction of energy using this resource, although in the past 20years subsidies to support the mining industry have amounted toaround 6.7 billion dollars, with companies in the industrycontinuing to rank high in terms of debts and losses. However,officials of the ministry are very clear: If you don't produce, youdon't exist.
"If you want to exist in this world, you have to produce. We couldimport coal, but good would that do? We would put money into theaccounts of other countries. We privatised energy companies andwhat did that lead to? (Foreign companies) came here, but they maketheir equipment and seal contracts with companies from theircountries of origin. We are pouring money into the accounts ofothers. We will not give coal up because it is our resource. (...)Romania's energy will continue to rely on coal," says Tudor Şerban,personal adviser of Economy Minister Ion Ariton.
Despite the abundance of these reserves, mining companies facemajor cost-related problems, while those involved in energyproduction have to make significant environmental investments,risking to otherwise be shut down because of non-compliance with EUregulations.
Pentru alte știri, analize, articole și informații din business în timp real urmărește Ziarul Financiar pe WhatsApp Channels
