Rășinari votes in referendum on magnesium mining at Valea Dobra

Residents of Rășinari, a commune in Sibiu County, were due to vote on Sunday, 8 November, in a local referendum on opening a mine at the Valea Dobra site. More than 4,400 residents were expected to take part. Mineral Proiect Invest SA (MPI) announced in September that it had obtained the exploitation licence for the integrated magnesium project at Rășinari-Săliște.

Mayor Bucur Bogdan said he voted in line with the commune's tourism development direction, which he said had been pursued for 18 years, including hiking trails and events promoting tourism and local traditions. He described the referendum as consultative, but said its result could clearly indicate the direction the town hall and the local council should take.

“The referendum is consultative, indeed, but it can clearly indicate the direction the town hall and the local council should take.”

In a separate statement, the mayor said he had opposed granting the company's request at council sessions on 30 September and 29 October 2026, given the local referendum.