The Romanian government approved a decree on amending the Mining Code to facilitate the reopening of non-energy mining operations, Economy Minister Radu Oprea announced on Friday.

The decree incorporates into Romanian law the potential for the exploitation of critical materials, anticipating a surge in demand for rare earths in the coming years.

This can be achieved “if there are environmentally friendly technologies and they do not cause pollution,” said Oprea, addressing an existing environmental issue in Romania related to settling ponds and landfills.

In addition, local community…