MEPs have debated calls to ban the use of cyanide in mining throughout Europe 10 years after more than 100,000m³ of cyanide-contaminated water in Romania burst out of a reservoir into the Danube system.
The Baia Mare release was rated to be the largest ecological disaster in central Europe at that time, but a decade later cyanide can still be used in many member states in gold mining.
Now two MEPs have begun a debate on banning it at a plenary session of the European Parliament meeting in Brussels.
The two, János Áder and László Tőkés, called on the European Commission to propose an EU-wide ban on the use of cyanide in gold mining.
"Although several pieces of EU legislation have been adopted in order to strengthen the rules on the use of cyanide in mining - some member states have even introduced a ban on it - the technology can still be used in the territory of the European Union, legally," said Mr Áder.
"Nevertheless, prudential rules and proper financial guarantees are still missing, and the implementation of the existing legislation also depends on the skills of the executive powers of each member state."
As a result, he said, there is nothing to prevent a repeat of the Baia Mare incident.
On behalf of development commissioner Andris Piebalgs, home affairs commissioner Cecilia Malmström said a careful study was made of Baia Mare and its conclusions included in the mining waste directive.
This is regarded as up-to-date, proportionate and appropriate to the use of cyanide and there is no alternative for gold extraction.
She said member states must furnish the Commission with information on implementation by next year.
A focus on recycling products like mobile phones would reduce reliance on gold mining.
MEPs will vote at their session on 1 May.
