Praid mine

In late May 2025, the mine experienced severe flooding in both its mining and tourist sections, leading to its closure. The incident was caused by heavy torrential rains that significantly swelled the nearby Corund stream, increasing its flow up to 100-120 times its normal rate and causing water to infiltrate the mine. An underground dam, built to prevent water ingress, also collapsed.

The flooding resulted in the evacuation of personnel and equipment, compromising underground salt stocks and leading to the loss of machinery. While authorities initially stated there was no immediate risk of total collapse, the situation remains critical, and the mine's closure severely impacts the local economy, which heavily relies on tourism. Efforts were made to divert water and pump it out, but improvised dams failed. Hungary has offered assistance for the mine's restoration, and the Romanian government also provided support.^[3] Locals have criticised SALROM, the mine's owner, for not taking adequate preventive measures, especially after previous floods in May 2024.^[4][5] On 31 May 2025, Romanian president Nicușor Dan visited the mine, pledging to reopen it and ensuring eventual compensation to the around 130 people whose employment had been affected.^[6]