The “ROmania Serbia NETwork for assessing and disseminating the impact of copper mining activities on water quality in the cross-border area” project addressed the urgent need to mitigate water pollution caused by copper mining in the regions of Moldova Nouă, Romania, and Bor, Serbia. The program recognized that while copper mining is an essential industry, the waste generated from these operations continuously pollutes the environment, posing a significant risk to the health of the 25,000 inhabitants in the affected areas.
The overall objective of the project was to assess the water quality in these cross-border mining zones, propose effective remediation methods, and promote environmental education within the community. Building upon a previous project (Cross-border network for advanced training and research in Environmental Protection, Code 464), this initiative focused on the physicochemical and toxicological characterization of water streams. A key goal was to achieve a zero-waste technology for treating wastewater from mining operations, aiming for no negative impact on water streams, soil, vegetation, or human health.
The project was designed to involve the community, including young people, NGOs, and public authorities, through awareness campaigns and training sessions. Key outputs included new instruments for environmental monitoring, a public knowledge base with data on water quality and remediation solutions, and two comprehensive scientific studies that will be made publicly available to inform and empower stakeholders. This cross-border collaboration was crucial, as the partners involved have complementary research facilities and skills needed to tackle this common problem.
Implementing period: 10 September 2019 – 9 September 2021
Budget: €999,894.00
KEY OBJECTIVES
To assess water quality and identify pollution sources from copper mining activities.
To strengthen the RoS-NET2 research network with state-of-the-art equipment.
To produce a knowledge base and two scientific studies on the topic.
To deliver training and awareness activities for the community.
To propose practical remediation solutions for water pollution.
THE PARTNERSHIP
West University of Timișoara – RO;
Mining and Metallurgy Institute Bor – RS;
Ecological Cooperation Group – NERA Caras-Severin branch – RO.
KEY RESULTS
The project won the RegioStars 2023 award in the “A Green Europe” category.
Infrastructure, equipment, and monitoring systems for environmental protection were 100% completed, leading to a stronger RoS-NET2 research network with state-of-the-art instruments.
Two scientific studies on environmental protection and emergency management were 100% completed, creating a knowledge base and providing remediation solutions.
A total of 5,565 participants were engaged in project initiatives and events for information and awareness raising.
91 participants took part in capacity building initiatives.
Implementation of training sessions and events for a wide range of audiences, including pupils, school teachers, professionals, and NGOs, on environmental issues and the use of the knowledge base.
