As an example, the prime minister cited an asphalt plant in Dăncea that imports granite aggregate from Romania. According to him, a metric ton of granite costs 850 lei, of which 250 lei is attributed to transportation.
“Transportation accounts for nearly 30% of the cost of the imported granite aggregate. And everyone understands that for the construction of roads, houses, and quarries right here, if we import stone, granite, and other materials from abroad, it obviously comes at a very high cost,” Tofan stated.
The prime minister emphasized that the development of quarries and the extraction of mineral resources must be carried out in compliance with environmental requirements.
“We need to find this balance between the environment and economic development. And it’s not an easy balance,” Tofan said.
In this context, he called for closer coordination between the ministries responsible for infrastructure, the economy, and natural resource management.
“We need to build in this country and source materials, including from Moldova. Or perhaps, first and foremost, in Moldova. So we don’t have to transport them hundreds of kilometers from abroad. Because in the end, we’re the ones who pay for it. We’re the ones paying for more expensive homes and more expensive roads,” the prime minister concluded.
The discussion took place as the government reviewed a draft bill presented by Environment Minister Gheorghe Hăjder, which aims to streamline procedures related to the handling of hazardous chemicals.
