The presence of Canadian Gabriel Resources has created a trend against development by means other than mining; such as agrotourism, ecotourism, farming or traditional crafts. This is the main problem faced at Rosia Montana by the community who wishes to remain and develop along sustainable principles.
Many local activities activities started to stagnate in 2002, when Gabriel Resources Ltd. changed the land use plans and turned Rosia Montana into an industrial area; exclusively reserved for the mine proposal. Even though the company does not as yet have a mining license, Roșia Montană is associated only with the idea of cyanide gold mining and not with touristic development potential; this albeit it rich landscape and cultural heritage.
Seen as a mono-industrial area by the proponents of the mine, Roșia Montană is in fact a region with important archaeological vestiges, traditions and customs which are as much a part of the identity of the place as mining is. On the other hand, mining led to the creation of a system of objects, customs and traditions which have an important potential from the touristic point of view.
