Bălan

Bălan
Balánbánya
View of Bălan
Location in Harghita County
Bălan
Location in Romania
Coordinates: 46°38′59″N 25°48′36″E / 46.64972°N 25.81000°E / 46.64972; 25.81000
CountryRomania
CountyHarghita
Government
 • Mayor (2024–2028)Gheorghe Iojiban (Ind.)
Area
2.33 km2 (0.90 sq mi)
Elevation
850 m (2,790 ft)
Highest elevation
1,792 m (5,879 ft)
Population
 (2021-12-01)
5,414
 • Density2,320/km2 (6,020/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+02:00 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+03:00 (EEST)
Postal code
535200
Area code+(40) 266
Vehicle reg.HR
Websitewww.orasulbalan.ro/en/

Bălan (German: Kupferbergwerk; Hungarian: Balánbánya, pronounced [ˈbɒlaːmbaːɲɒ] ) is a town in Harghita County, Transylvania, Romania. It has historically been one of Transylvania and Romania's most important centers for copper mining, but its mines are no longer operational. Its Romanian name means "blond", the German name means "copper mine" while the Hungarian name means "Balán mine".