Beyond Mining: Collective Imagination and Community Cohesion in Roșia Montană

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between collective imagination and social cohesion in Roșia Montană, a UNESCO World Heritage Site deeply impacted a proposed. The primary objective is to explore how socio-economic and environmental disruptions, particularly those caused by the Roșia Montană Gold Corporation (RMGC) project, have influenced local imaginaries and community cohesion. Using an ethnographic approach, the research integrates desk research, in-depth interviews, and participant observation conducted over nine months. The analysis reveals that the improper closure of the Cetate Quarry and the socio-political struggle related to the RMGC project have fragmented social cohesion, resulting in diverse and often conflicting local imaginaries, which have been identified and described. Despite numerous challenges, grassroots movements and local initiatives continue being pivotal in fostering a renewed sense of community and envisioning sustainable development. The study introduces the concept of imagination deinfrastructuring, suggesting that the intentional dismantling of imaginative elements supporting social cohesion leads to significant community disruption, as it tends to happen in cases of displacement and resettlement. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of the interplay between social cohesion and collective imagination, offering new insights for the futures literature. Recommendations for policymakers and community leaders have been included strategies for supporting economic revival in the post-mining site. The thesis underscores the necessity of inclusive and imaginative approaches to community building, particularly in contexts marked by historical injustices and socio-economic vulnerabilities.