KTMZ, Bulgaria’s biggest lead and zinc-smelter posted a BGN 2,5 M loss for 2001. The slump is attributed to low metal prices on international markets. Representatives of the company do not consider the result too bad, taking into account the global business environment. The Plovdiv-based smelter, which turns out 67% of Bulgaria’s annual production of zinc and 57% of lead, posted a BGN 9,407 M net profit for 2000. The company is expected to complete a project for reducing production-related pollution in October 2002. Some USD 25 M have been invested in the project so far.