Abstract: This paper aims to present the results of an anthropological research regarding the risk perception in the case of the Roșia Montana gold mining project. The methods that were used are specific in the qualitative research and were aimed at the most controversial project of post-communist Romania. The scope of the project is to exploit the gold in open mining using the cyanide in the technological process and threatening to destroy a community and an important cultural heritage.
At last, we will propose a way of risk communication for ecological sustainability and for awareness of complex environmental issues that quitting the principles of sustainable development may have a long time impact, affecting the environment and, thus, human health.

Contribution to the 3rd International Degrowth Conference for Ecological Sustainability and Social Equity in Venice in 2012.