The Romanian government has implemented new mining tax rates effective 15 May 2026, raising fees by 7.3% across prospecting, exploration, and exploitation activities, with progressive increases for exploration licenses to prevent resource hoarding.
Romania has raised annual mining tax rates through Decision No. 391, published on 14 May 2026 in the Official Gazette, with the changes taking effect from 15 May 2026.
The new rates, established under Article 44 of Mining Law No. 85/2003, represent increases across all mining activity categories:
- Prospecting: RON 599 per km² (increased from RON 558, representing a 7.3% rise)
- Exploration: RON 2,405 per km² (up from RON 2,241, a 7.3% increase)
- Exploitation: RON 60,100 per km² (raised from RON 56,011, marking a 7.3% increase)
The exploration rate includes an escalation mechanism designed to discourage license hoarding. After two years, the fee doubles, and after four years, it increases to five times the base rate, encouraging active development of mineral resources.
The decision was adopted pursuant to Article 108 of Romania’s Constitution and aims to update the fee structure for mining activities nationwide.
