Market Intelligence
State Owned Enterprises Industries Romania Environment and Natural Resources

Romania Mining Sector Strategic Developments and Exploration Opportunities

Romania is emerging as a strategic player in Europe’s critical minerals supply chain. Driven by EU-wide efforts to reduce dependence on external sources, the country has taken bold steps to revive key mining operations and expand exploration activities. Recent policy and investment initiatives present timely and actionable opportunities for U.S. companies seeking to engage in Europe’s resource and energy transition. This report outlines the key mineral resources, government-backed projects, and upcoming licensing tenders relevant to potential U.S. investors and partners.

Market Overview

Romania possesses a broad portfolio of essential mineral resources such as graphite, titanium, boron, germanium, rare earth elements, magnesium, and copper. These materials support high-tech industries including automotive, aerospace, semiconductors, defense, renewable energy, and electronics. The Romanian government, in collaboration with the EU, has prioritized strategic investments and licensing mechanisms to mobilize these resources.

Opportunities for U.S. Companies

The National Agency for Mineral Resources (NAMR) launched a public tender for 18 new exploration licenses, marking the resumption of licensing after a two-year pause. Issued under Order #280  (dated June 3, 2025), the tender includes:

  • 3 polymetallic ore licenses in Bistrita Nasaud and Bihor Counties
  • 1 gold, silver, and polymetallic ore license in Hunedoara County
  • 1 graphite license in Gorj County
  • 13 additional licenses for salt, geothermal water, coal, and construction materials
    Submission deadline: September 15, 2025, at 16:30. Bid opening: September 18, 2025, at 10:00. Detailed documents can be accessed via the Monitorul Oficial and NAMR’s online platform.

As Romania reactivates old mines and starts new exploration projects, U.S. companies specializing in mining equipment, exploration services, environmental compliance, and supply chain management will face strong demand.  

  • Extraction Equipment: Supply of state-of-the-art machinery for open-pit and underground mining operations.
  • Geological Mapping and Surveying: High demand for remote sensing, drone-based surveys, and geophysical mapping technologies.
  • Processing Technologies: Market opportunities in mineral processing, refining, and beneficiation systems.
  • Environmental and Safety Solutions: Technologies for environmental monitoring, impact mitigation, and land reclamation.
  • Engineering and Project Management: Consulting and management services across the lifecycle of exploration and extraction projects.
  • Supply Chain Integration: Strategic positioning within EU value chains for electric vehicles, aerospace, semiconductors, and defense industries.


Challenges and Barriers

While Romania is making significant progress in attracting investment, potential barriers include regulatory complexities, competition from other EU mining hubs, and the technical difficulty of exploiting certain rare minerals. Understanding local permitting processes and environmental standards is essential.


Regulatory Environment

Romania maintains a stable framework for mining licenses. As of mid-2025, 13 mining licenses for metallic minerals and mining waste are valid. A comprehensive mining reform proposal is also expected to be submitted to the European Commission in Q3 2025, potentially streamlining future operations and funding channels.


Additional Resources

Key Contacts

For more information, please contact U.S. Commercial Service Specialists, Email: Maria.Petrescu@trade.gov and Mihaela Dodoiu,