UNMIK/PR/312
In a move to reverse rising levels of atmospheric lead in northern Mitrovica, UNMIK today assumed responsibility for the Zvecan smelter until air pollution control mechanisms are installed and the affected population tested.
UNMIK administrators, supported by UNMIK Police and KFOR, took control of the plant this morning. UNMIK took this action to safeguard the health of the community, which has been subjected to unprecedented levels of atmospheric lead since the smelter resumed operations in June.
UNMIK officials informed workers that they would continue to be paid pending a retrofit of the plant. The extent, cost and duration of this rehabilitation will be determined by a comprehensive assessment which is now underway, with preliminary results expected in about two weeks.
Other operations of the Trepca mining complex which feed into the plant, such as ore extraction would continue, with ore and concentrates being stockpiled pending resumption of smelting operations.
Doctors and public health officials were also on hand to explain the risks of working at the plant in its current state, and to offer blood tests on the spot. UNMIK is opening a clinic in northern Mitrovica offering free counseling and testing to vulnerable residents. Similar services for residents of southern Mitrovica are available at the KFOR Moroccan hospital.
"The people of Mitrovica are at risk because of this smelter," said SRSG Bernard Kouchner. "As a doctor, as well as chief administrator of Kosovo, I would be derelict if I let this threat to the health of children and pregnant women continue for one more day."
SRSG Kouchner also announced today an agreement between UNMIIK and a multinational consortium to assess and initiate rehabilitation of the entire Trepca mining and industrial complex, which UNMIK will manage as a public enterprise.
"Our aim is not to close down anything," Dr. Kouchner said. "On the contrary, today we are putting into action our plan to bring Trepca back to life and back to the people of Kosovo."
Potentially a major source of domestic revenues for Kosovo, the Trepca complex deteriorated over years of poor management appointed by the FRY government in Belgrade.
Under Security Council resolution 1244, UNMIK has the obligation to administer the complex on an interim basis. UNMIK is not in a position to determine the validity of any claims of ownership rights or other interests in Trepca, which should be determined by a competent court, based on applicable law.
UNMIK plans to create conditions for a 2,000-member, inclusive work force, and to direct eventual revenues to the Kosovo Consolidated Budget.
"By providing jobs and income for Kosovo, Trepca could be a key to achieving co-existence in northern Kosovo," Dr. Kouchner said.
In the meantime, retrofitting the Zvecan lead smelter will be an essential first step in the international community's strategy for making Trepca a viable and safe industry, Kouchner said.
The region of Mitrovica in northern Kosovo has long suffered from high levels of atmospheric lead. Twenty years ago, before a filter unit and air pollution controls were installed, children living near the smelter were found at risk for encephalopathy and exhibited consequences of high blood-lead levels, such as low intelligence scores and neurological disorders.
Recent tests indicate that current levels of lead exposure are approaching the most extreme in decades. Levels of atmospheric lead measured last month were around 200 times the World Health Organization's acceptable standards,
The smelter had worked sporadically since the 1999 conflict in Kosovo. However, an environmental audit ordered by UNMIK and conducted in March and April of this year, warned that it should be closed as an "unacceptable source of air pollution."
Six weeks after the daily smelting operations restarted in June, tests of KFOR soldiers serving near the smelter revealed dramatically increased blood-lead levels. French tests of atmospheric lead taken in June-July showed average levels of 250 micrograms per cubic meter, two-thirds higher than acceptable limits for workers' exposure in France.
UNMIK immediately deployed medical and public health specialists as well an international epidemiological team to the Mitrovica region.
Last week UNMIK embarked on a public health campaign--to inform residents, workers and local health practitioners of the rising levels of lead; to further measure the incidence of lead in the environment and among residents; and to offer testing, advice and medical treatment. Health practitioners are strongly urging pregnant women, children, smelter workers and those living near the plant to get tested.
Meanwhile UNMIK has contracted with International Mining Consultants of the UK to conduct immediately an environmental-technical audit of the smelter and to oversee improvements so that the Zvecan plant can resume operations without threatening public health. The work force, who will be equipped with safety gear and protective clothing, will be employed in installing the pollution abatement devices.
The ITT Kosovo Consortium of mining companies from Sweden, France and the U.S. will establish the extent of environmental contamination and take remedial actions, including repairing or replacing safety and production equipment. It will conduct a technical audit of the facilities, recommend further action and assess the financial viability of the complex.
Donor pledges raised so far for this phase include funding from the EU, US, France and Italy.