Uricani (obsolete Uricani-Hobițeni, Uricani-Hobiceni; Hungarian Urikány or Hobicaurikány, German Goldenbach)[3] is a small town in Hunedoara County in Romania.
Uricani is a relatively late settlement that has probably existed since the end of the 18th century. It was first mentioned in documents in 1786 under the name Uricani-Hobiceni (Hungarian Hobiczény és Felső Urikány). The first settlers were Romanians, came from the villages of Hobița and Uric in the Hațeg area and named the new settlement after their hometowns. At first, forestry and livestock farming were the most important industries. Soon, however, mining of hard coal and lignite played the main role.[4] In 1857, a coking plant was put into operation.[5] The rapid economic development led to a rapid increase in population. As a result of the First World War, the town passed from Austria-Hungary to Romania and was officially named Uricani. After the Second World War, coal mining was intensified again. In 1965, Uricani was granted town status.[4] The economic upheaval after the revolution in 1989 led to the closure of some of the coal mines and left many miners unemployed.