Globalisation, Glocalisation and Community Uncertainties A Qualitative Research Study at Roşia Montană, Romania

Abstract

The study examines Roşia Montană inhabitants' opinions, attitudes and the "mutations" of the representations generated by Roşia Montană Gold Corporations' retrenchment of economic activity. Our hypothesis is that the retrenchment of activities and the ensuing layoffs are the result of the wrong choice of globalisation strategy that the company attempted in 2013 rather than continuing the glocalisation strategy which proved successful up to that point. The study presents the main themes of a 2014 qualitative research survey namely: 1) the rift between the private and the public opinions on the merits of the mining project; 2) inhabitants' representations of the distinction between the classic (underground) mining methodology perceived as "true mining" and the modern open pit approach perceived as "fake mining"; 3) inhabitants' opinions on the sustainability v. jobs dichotomy; 4)representations on the need for temporary employment to fill the gap until the recommencement of mining activity; 5) the perceptions on the possibility of returning to previously owned properties should the project fail to ever launch again. The general conclusion is that a switchback to the glocalisation strategy would result in benefits for both the Roşia Montană Gold Corporation and for the local community which is at risk of becoming uncertain, already finding itself in a precarious quality-of-life situation.