Owner of Rosia Montana Gold Corporation to be the cause of transboundary mining spill into Ukraine

18 April 2009 - The Ukrainian ministry for foreign affairs has requested its Romanian counterpart for explanations into a heavy metal spill into the Tisza River which occurred on 16 April 2009. According to the Ukrainian authorities the European Commission was also informed about the accident which took place at the treatment plant of the Toroioaga mine/ Baia Borsa. Initial tests made by the Ukrainian authorities showed that the percentage of heavy metals (zinc, iron and copper) into the Tisza River were two to four times higher than acceptable levels. As a consequence all water supplies from the Tisza River into Ukraine were shut down; including for the cities of Tiacev and Hust. The treatment plant of the Toroioaga mine near Baia Borsa is managed by Cartel Bau S.A. which in return is of one the owners of Rosia Montana Gold Corporation.

Rosia Montana Gold Corporation is a joint venture between Gabriel Resources (80%), Minvest Deva - a state-owned mining company and three small Romanian shareholders (Cartel Bau S.A., Foricon S.A., Comat S.A.).

Further Sources:
http://www.kyivpost.com/nation/39825
http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-mediu-5608493-ucraina-cere-explicatii-romaniei-legatura-poluarea-tisa-informeaza-despre-incident.htm