CECAEN Rev 3
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Sections Correlation Guide About the Project Contact
Division 08

Extraction of salt

This division covers all operations for the extraction of salt, whether from underground mines or from brine extracted through boreholes. Salt is an essential mineral resource, used both in food and in industry (chemical, de-icing, water treatment). Entrepreneurs operating here must manage high logistics costs and comply with strict environmental and mining safety regulations.

Included Activities & Applicability

  • ✅ Extraction of salt from mines and quarries Extraction of salt by dissolution and pumping (brine) Extraction of gem salt
  • ✅ including potassium and magnesium salts Cleaning
  • ✅ crushing
  • ✅ and grinding of salt Purification of salt by crystallization Packaging and delivery of crude or processed salt

Excluded Activities & Restrictions

  • ❌ Processing of salt into chemical substrates (e.g.
  • ❌ production of chlorine and soda) Production of fine table salt for cooking (considered complex processing) Geological research activities for new salt deposits

Subordinate Structure

081 Extraction of minerals for construction
→
0811 Quarrying of ornamental and building stone, limestone, gypsum, chalk and slate
→
0812 Extraction of gravel and sand; extraction of clay and kaolin
→
089 Division 08 - Other mining and quarrying
→
0891 Extraction of minerals for the chemical industry and natural fertilizers
→
0892 Peat extraction
→
0893 Extraction of salt
→
0899 Other mining and quarrying n.e.c.
→

Detailed Analysis & Commercial Insights

Salt extraction is one of the oldest and most strategic mining activities in Romania, with deep historical roots in areas such as Ocna Mureș, Slănic Prahova, Târgu Ocna, or Cacica. Extracted salt is an indispensable raw material for the chemical industry (production of chlorine, soda, and other compounds), for road de-icing in the cold season, for water treatment, and last but not least, for human and animal consumption. From a macroeconomic perspective, this division contributes significantly to the trade balance through exports and provides well-paid jobs in mountainous areas, contributing to regional development. In recent years, Romania has witnessed a gradual modernization of extraction technologies, shifting from classical methods to controlled dissolution mining, which reduced costs and increased efficiency. However, entrepreneurs in this sector face major challenges: complex licensing, compliance with environmental norms (management of waste and saline waters), as well as fluctuations in energy prices, which directly affect pumping and processing costs. Additionally, international competition from countries such as China or India, which produce salt at very low costs, pressures local margins. Nevertheless, domestic demand is stable due to the chemical industry and road maintenance, and the development of value-added products such as iodized salt or cosmetic salt offers differentiation opportunities. In conclusion, Division 08 remains a solid niche for investors who can efficiently manage resources and specific regulations.