Bosnian town seeks answers after hundreds test positive for lead in their blood, 6 May 2026

A new silver, lead and barite mine offered hope to the small ​town of Vares, in mountainous central Bosnia, when it opened in 2024. After decades of economic decline, new roads and houses were built, cafes and restaurants filled up, ‌and the long-dwindling population swelled with workers and new residents.

In recent months...blood tests have revealed exposure to lead in more than 300 residents living near the mine, some at elevated levels, alarming locals and throwing the town's future into doubt.

...[F]our Bosnian environmental agencies filed criminal charges against Dundee Precious Metals, the Canadian mining company that took over the mine in September,...with the Zenica-Doboj cantonal prosecutors' ​office...

The Vares health centre said in a report...that the test results did not show signs of acute lead poisoning, but rather indicated ​long-term exposure to different possible environmental factors of low intensity...

Local officials said such widespread tests had not previously ‌been conducted, so ⁠it was not possible to determine if the lead came from the new mine or was due to decades of previous mining activity in the area, which is rich in metals...

DPM joined a working group formed by town officials and physicians after the first test results in December. The group has initiated tests of land, water, agricultural produce and dust in areas surrounding the processing plant and waste depot.

It told Reuters in a statement that it took health and environmental matters seriously and was working with authorities. "We believe that issues relating to the environment and public health should ​be assessed on the basis of expert analysis, verified ​data and through the appropriate institutional procedures, ⁠without prejudging responsibility before the relevant processes have been concluded," it said.

Charges were also filed on Wednesday against cantonal and regional government ministers, whom the environmental organisations accuse of failing to do enough to protect residents. The charges will now be reviewed. If accepted, the case will likely go to court.

The ​government of Bosnia's Bosniak-Croat Federation, where Vares is located, says it is trying to find a solution and has announced the formation of an ​expert group...