So far, 44 people tested have tested positive for lead in their blood, and the results of health examinations of the population in the Vareš area are alarming. The analyzed samples of people of all ages were positive for the heavy metal, which causes serious health consequences. Following this information, the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism ordered the Federal Administration for Inspection Affairs to conduct an urgent inspection in connection with the aforementioned case.
The competent ministries of the Government of the Zenica-Doboj Canton, regarding the appearance of lead in blood samples of a certain number of residents of the settlements of Pržići and Daštansko in the municipality of Vareš, are taking measures within their jurisdiction.
Minister of Health Aida Salčinović pointed out that the Vareš Health Center has addressed the Institute for Health and Food Safety Zenica (INZ) with an official letter, with the aim of having INZ experts go out into the field and check the epidemiological situation regarding lead poisoning in that area.
“A biochemical test was performed, determining the concentration of lead in the blood. Out of 44 samples, 17 samples showed an increased concentration of lead in the blood, without signs of acute poisoning. The INZ has taken all measures, ordered cantonal and local inspection supervision and instructed the municipal authorities to carry out active surveillance of the population. As for the medical part, the medical documentation of these patients is being checked and they are currently without any symptoms and there are no signs of acute poisoning,” says Minister Salčinović.
Regarding the next steps that the health and other authorities of the canton plan to take, namely whether, given that it has been established that the water samples in these settlements are not contaminated, workers/miners of the Dundee Precious Metals (DPM) company will be tested, the minister says:
“The cause of the poisoning needs to be found. The cause must be eliminated, definitely. The water is hygienically correct and did not come from that side. As for surveillance, it is necessary to monitor all the medical documentation of this population. Patients are monitored regularly and if symptoms appear, they should respond promptly by detoxifying lead or applying chelation therapy,” said Salčinović.
According to her information, DPM has already sent a request for testing of all workers, which is their obligation under the contract.
“The ZDK Government and the Ministry of Economy, as well as the Ministry of Health, are closely monitoring the developments in Vareš. On behalf of the Ministry of Economy, we can say that we provide support to all investors and business entities operating in the territory of ZDK. However, we always emphasize that the health of all our citizens comes first, regardless of what kind of investment it is. We insist that all business entities operating in the territory of ZDK take care of their health. It is also about fulfilling the contract and obligations that the concessionaire has and has signed,” said the Minister of Economy of ZDK Samir Šibonjić.
The concessionaire’s obligation, he emphasized, is to take care and to carry out tests.
The Ministry of Health and the Cantonal Administration for Inspection Affairs of the Canton of ZDK, he stressed, are monitoring the situation on the ground and will share all official information with journalists and citizens. Federal institutions and inspections also have their own jurisdiction.
“When it comes to metals, the federal ministry has jurisdiction. We are convinced that they will do everything in their power to establish the cause of the poisoning,” said Šibonjić.
He states that they do not have information whether the investors from DPM have also tested their workers, but they are obliged to test both workers and the surrounding population. He also emphasized that they cannot prejudge whether the permit for work in the mine in Vareš, owned by the Canadian DPM, is questionable.
