The Bulgarian lead and zinc smelters situated in the Southeastern Bulgarian town of Kardzhali may suspend lead production in order to meet EU environmental requirements.

Mr Valentin Zahariev chair of the Intertrust Holdings AD said that the Kardzhali Lead and Zinc Complex will cut lead output to between 13,000 tonnes and 14,000 tonnes this year from 18,000 tonnes in 2010. We plan to complete the lead unit modernization in 2013. It got delayed because of the financial crisis.

The Lead and Zinc Complex in Kardzhali has repeatedly come under criticism for polluting the local environment and the nearby city by releasing in the atmosphere sulfur dioxide levels well above the allowed minimum. The problem was especially acute in the fall of 2009.

(Sourced from www.novinite.com)