Hungarian Family Unearths Romania’s Hidden Salt Treasure

A 15-Year Journey to Secure a Unique Mining Concession

A Hungarian family’s long-held ambition is set to reshape the European salt market, culminating in the acquisition of a vital mining concession in Romania’s Transylvanian region. This venture, rooted in foresight and perseverance, promises to deliver exceptionally pure salt.

The Genesis of a Salt Dynasty

The venture began in the early 2000s, sparked by the vision of the family patriarch, Mr. Veres. His realization was simple: salt, often overlooked, is a fundamental mineral treasure. The family’s business, Salt-Veres Zrt., holds sole ownership of Diana Exploatări Miniere SRL in Romania, now the concession holder.

“It was not a miracle lamp, just the realization that salt is still a basic mineral treasure that we do not even notice – we find it so clear that it is.”

—Mr. Veres

The story of securing this mining right is as remarkable as the salt itself. A Hungarian family business has obtained the authorization to operate a mine in the picturesque Floral Valley, Transylvania.

Strategic Positioning and Market Dynamics

The initial impetus for the project was Romania’s accession negotiations with the European Union. The family anticipated the eventual dismantling of state monopolies that then controlled mineral extraction across Europe. Their Romanian company initiated the application process for production rights in 2009, but the license was only granted in December 2024.

“The main motivation was reported by Romania’s EU accession negotiations,”

—Mr. Veres

The global landscape has since shifted dramatically. The closure of Ukrainian mines due to the ongoing conflict has created a significant deficit in the regional salt supply, necessitating the import of nearly two million tons annually. This geopolitical event underscores the timely nature of the Romanian venture.

A Legacy of Vision and Patience

The company formed for this mining endeavor is a project-specific entity, without prior mining operations. It was a family-driven initiative from its inception.

The extended waiting period, spanning fifteen years, was a testament to evolving legal frameworks. The situation significantly improved in 2022 with changes in regulations, streamlining the process back to official procedures. The concession for extraction was finally secured in 2024, marking a crucial milestone.

Unveiling the Floral Valley’s Riches

The specific location in Floral Valley was identified through surveys conducted in the 1980s. Crucially, these early assessments included the development of essential logistics, such as a double-track, electrified railway line with an industrial branch – vital for efficient salt transportation.

“Which makes the venue really special: the salt is 99% purity.”

—Mr. Veres

Two Transylvanian mining engineers, Zoltán Ambrus and Professor József András, played instrumental roles in selecting the concession site, ensuring its exceptional quality and location. The family considers this a nearly unparalleled opportunity, akin to a gold mine in its potential.

Operational Scope and Future Outlook

The production rights are secured for an initial 20-year period, with potential 5-year extensions. Geological surveys indicate extractable reserves of at least 30 million tons, sufficient for nearly 40 years at an estimated annual production of 800,000 tons. However, total reserves are believed to be in the hundreds of millions of tons, ensuring centuries of operation.

The project includes the purchase of nine hectares for essential infrastructure like a slope, ventilation shaft, loading facilities, and administrative buildings. The mine’s 99% purity is a significant industrial advantage, especially given its proximity to a rail link.

Pioneering Modern Extraction Technology

The next critical phase involves obtaining the opening permit, with a legal deadline of 330 days, anticipated by the end of 2025. The company aims to achieve an annual output of 800,000 tons within two to three years, ensuring consistent and cost-effective production.

The operational team will comprise 30-35 individuals working in two shifts. Leveraging insights from visits to Western European salt mines, the project will implement advanced, automated, and enclosed mining technology, minimizing human exposure and environmental impact. This approach includes using electric combine harvesters and self-supporting structures.

“We will create the state-of-the-art and efficient mine in Europe.”

—Mr. Veres

The mine’s ecological footprint will be further minimized by a commitment to renewable energy sources for its power supply. This strategy will also mitigate exposure to volatile energy prices, contributing to operational stability.

In stark contrast to traditional operations like the Praid salt mine, this new facility will be a modern industrial mine, distinct from older, intermittently blasted sites.

Market Potential and Strategic Partnerships

The Romanian salt market, currently dominated by state-owned Salrom with its seven to eight mines, consumes approximately 1.5 million tons annually. The new venture’s capacity of 800,000 tons would supply a substantial portion of Hungary’s annual demand and meet the total needs of Slovakia, Croatia, and Serbia combined.

The high-purity salt is attractive to a wide range of industries, including chemical, pharmaceutical, food processing, and animal feed sectors. Its purity eliminates the need for additional refining, offering significant cost savings.

Professional investors, interested in processing and transportation, have shown strong interest in the project. Negotiations are ongoing, with an expected completion by September, potentially enhancing the project’s launch momentum. These investors represent a mix of Hungarian, international, and Romanian entities, all recognized for their regional operations.

The company anticipates robust returns, outperforming many Western European mines due to competitive operational costs, including lower energy prices. Production is slated to commence in 2026, with initial sales possible even during the construction phase of the main slope.

The current high demand, exacerbated by the disruption of Ukrainian salt supplies, virtually eliminates direct competition for this venture. The market has adapted to alternative sources, highlighting the opportunity for this new, high-quality provider.

Initial focus will be on supplying the chemical and road salt sectors, which represent significant market segments. However, the versatility of salt extends to food, pharmaceuticals, and even emerging technologies like battery manufacturing and solar energy, particularly concentrated solar power (CSP).

“In the following years, it will also appear in battery manufacturing and solar energy – For example, concentrated solar power (CSP) technology. We have exciting opportunities. But in the first round, we would definitely like to sell it on the two major markets and then start processing.”

—Mr. Veres

This project is the culmination of decades of dedication from the Veres family, particularly Mr. Veres. Their commitment is to responsibly manage this extraordinary opportunity for generations to come.