The Audio Long Read From the archive: The sludge king: how one man turned an industrial wasteland into his own El Dorado
Jul 16, 2025
Alexander Clapp, an accomplished journalist and author of "The Sludge King", dives into the remarkable story of Daniel Boldore, a Romanian entrepreneur who transformed a mining wasteland into a potential goldmine. The discussion highlights Boldore's rise as a local hero amidst social inequality and environmental decay. Clapp unveils the ethical dilemmas and fraud allegations surrounding Boldore's operations, showcasing the complex intersection of hope, deception, and the desire for progress in a struggling community.
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Daniel Buldor's Treasure Claim
- Daniel Buldor claimed to have discovered thousands of tons of forgotten gold and copper mining waste in Transylvania.
- He convinced investors worldwide and made a fortune selling this treasure, becoming a local hero and entrepreneur.
Abandoned Industry's Hidden Wealth
- Bayamara's industrial complex Kuprom was abandoned due to environmental disasters and EU regulations.
- This left behind vast mineral-rich residue that went uncollected, symbolizing lost opportunity amid decay.
Mobilizing Roma for Metal Sludge
- Buldor hired Roma locals to collect metal concentrate sludge from Kuprom to sell internationally.
- He established a company and secured international clients eager for mineral-rich industrial residue.