Danieli Group CEO visits Nova Željezara Zenica, sparking speculation over major industrial investment in Bosnia

Two days ago, the owner and CEO of Danieli Group, Giacomo Mareschi Danieli, arrived in Zenica together with his team. The visit attracted significant attention, as it could mark the beginning of negotiations on a major investment aimed at transforming steel production in the city, according to Biznis Info.

A Global Leader in Steel Technology

Headquartered in Italy, Danieli Group is one of the world’s leading companies in the design and production of equipment for steel plants and rolling mills. With a history spanning more than 100 years and operations across all continents, the company is widely regarded as one of the technological leaders in the steel industry.

Danieli is particularly known for developing modern, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions, which are increasingly being adopted as alternatives to traditional steelmaking processes.

Talks on New Technology and a Large-Scale Investment

During the meeting in Zenica, discussions reportedly focused on strategic projects and potential cooperation, with special attention given to the establishment of a new steel production line based on an electric arc furnace (EAF).

Today, EAF technology is considered the standard in modern steel production because it enables:

• significantly lower energy consumption
  
• reduced emissions of harmful gases
  
• greater production flexibility
  

Available information suggests that a potential investment in the construction of an entirely new steel plant was also discussed — a move that would represent one of the largest industrial developments in the region in recent decades.

Environmental Shift for Zenica

It was emphasized that implementing such a project would mean the gradual shutdown of integrated steel production, including sintering facilities, blast furnaces and the basic oxygen furnace (BOF) steel plant.

Such a shift could result in:

• a major reduction in harmful gas and dust emissions
  
• better alignment with modern environmental standards
  
• improved quality of life for local residents
  

This environmental aspect is particularly important for Zenica, a city that has faced serious air pollution challenges for decades.

The Role of Science and Education

Representatives of the “Kemal Kapetanović” Institute also attended the meeting, with discussions including cooperation in education, professional training, and stronger links between industry and the academic community.

The aim is to build the foundation for a sustainable industrial model that would create new jobs, support skills development, and protect the environment.

Steel Plant Facing Financial Pressure

Nova Zeljezara Zenica was recently taken over by the Pavgord Group from Foča, but the public has also been informed of serious financial difficulties within the company. Due to major debts, the possibility of bankruptcy proceedings had previously been announced.

In this context, the interest shown by one of the world’s most powerful steel-sector companies is being seen by many as a potential lifeline for Zenica’s industry — and an opportunity for a completely new beginning.