Vares lead poisoning crisis escalates as toxic contamination spreads to city centre

While previous reports focused on the settlements of Przici and Dastansko near the DPM Metali mine landfill, new findings reveal lead presence in residents living in the heart of Vares. This follows December testing where all 44 participants showed lead in their systems. Subsequent private tests of nine additional individuals, including five children under the age of six, further confirmed the alarming trend. Some results show lead concentrations dozens or even a hundred times higher than reference values.

Experts from the Zenica Institute for Health and Food Safety emphasize that there is no "safe" dose of lead in the human body. Amidst this, Malik Rizvanovic, acting Mayor of Vares, stated his priority is citizen health. However, controversy has arisen as DPM Metali recently requested an increase in concession fees from the Zenica-Doboj Canton Government.

Rizvanovic confirmed the initiative was sent to the Ministry of Economy, noting that the increased fees would be paid retroactively from January 1, 2026. Local residents view this move as an attempt to "buy social peace," insisting that health has no price.

Under the FBiH Law on Mining, the relevant ministry must revoke exploitation licenses if mining operations endanger lives and health. Despite these conditions and the lack of a formal emergency declaration or confirmed investigation by the Cantonal Prosecutor's Office, authorities continue to support new mining projects, including chromium mining in the Krivaja river basin.