The Golden Pond, also known as the “Aurul” tailing pond, has been a focal point of environmental interest since its construction began in 1998. Located near the communities of Recea and Săsar village, just 2.9 km from Baia Mare’s boundaries, its proximity to populated areas amplifies the risks associated with its chemical reactivity and structural stability. The pond, which houses approximately 5.4 million tonnes of tailings with an expected capacity of up to 15 million tonnes, was initially managed under strict safety protocols. However, political and administrative stagnation left the site in a vulnerable state, heightening environmental risks. UTCN has collaborated with the Romaltyn Mining Company to support mining activities at the regional level. At the same time, the environmental and economic consequences of abandoning or halting the project have been highlighted, concerns that have now become a reality.
Highlighted metadata of the Aurul tailing pond in the GoldenRAM platform based on Sentinel-2 multispectral optical acquisition (source: https://goldenram.opt-net.eu/).
Romaltyn’s Contributions to Rehabilitation
Romaltyn has played a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed in the area. Their research has highlighted the environmental impact of the site in its current condition, emphasising the necessity of completing its construction to ensure a viable rehabilitation strategy. The company has prioritised stability, both physical and chemical, by implementing protective measures such as clay and geosynthetic barriers, drainage management, and long-term environmental monitoring. Romaltyn has also actively managed maintenance and wastewater treatment, mitigating the risks associated with acid drainage and structural vulnerabilities. Despite the financial burden of maintaining an inactive site, their efforts have laid the groundwork for a comprehensive restoration approach that balances ecological responsibility with economic feasibility. The rehabilitation has had two directions: (i) for the terrain under the tailing pond who was meant to be relocated and (ii) the rehabilitation of the of the Aurul tailing pond (Central tailing pond relocated on the top of Aurul tailing pond).
Leveraging Romaltyn’s Knowledge Project Results for GoldenRAM
GoldenRAM stands to benefit significantly from Romaltyn’s project results extensive research and field experience. By building upon the data collected, engineering solutions implemented, and lessons learned, GoldenRAM can evaluate other mining perimeters including open pits, waste dumps, tailing ponds on the surface, flotation plants and metallurgical sites, mine water drainage also from the underground mines and open casts. Subsidence occurrences over the old mining caves could be also monitored using the GoldenRAM platform.
3D modelling using the software RHINOCEROUS 3D of the tailing pond Aurul
The database developed within the GoldenRAM project will serve as a powerful decision-support tool for Environmental Agencies across Romania, protected natural areas, water basin management authorities, and the National Regulatory Authority for Mining, Petroleum, and Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide (ANRMPSG) in Bucharest. By providing comprehensive data on tailing ponds and waste dumps, the platform will enhance monitoring efforts and support authorities in making informed decisions regarding environmental protection and resource management.
Aurul Tailing Pond and its metadata in the GoldenRAM platform (source: https://goldenram.opt-net.eu/). The central tailing pond, marked in yellow, was designated for relocation.