Near the village of Zgropolci, along the Veles–Gradsko road (North Macedonia), there is a large phosphogypsum stack created by the former fertilizer factory HIV-Veles, which operated from 1979 to 2003. The plant produced phosphoric acid and fertilizers (it was built to utilize sulfuric acid produced by the nearby lead-zinc smelter “MHK Zletovo”), generating huge quantities of waste. Attempts to restart operations in 2008 were blocked due to strong public opposition.
For more than two decades, around 3.6–3.7 million tons of phosphogypsum were placed in a large stack located about 1.5 km southwest of Veles, covering an area of 70,000 m². Although itself is not highly hazardous, this material contains natural radioactivity because phosphate rocks are rich in uranium-238 and its decay products whose elevated concentrations make this site an environmental hot spot in North Macedonia.
Over the past decade, several scientific studies have investigated this area from different angles: radioactivity, radon emissions, mineralogy, chemistry, dust dispersion, and environmental risks. Together, these studies provide the most complete picture to date of the environmental situation at the site.
1. Why these studies matter
These studies are important because the Veles phosphogypsum stack represents one of the largest industrial waste sites in North Macedonia and contains elevated natural radioactivity. Before any decisions can be made about monitoring, remediation, reuse, or environmental protection, it is essential to understand the risks.
The findings also matter because phosphogypsum stacks are known worldwide to pose long-term environmental and health concerns. Understanding the real level of risk in Veles helps dispel misconceptions and highlights the areas where action is actually needed.
2. What the researchers found
Across all studies, the phosphogypsum was found to contain elevated levels of natural radioactivity, especially from U-238, Ra-226, Pb-210, and 214Bi, with alpha and beta activities significantly higher than those of natural soil.
However, the EXTERNAL RADIATION DOSE to someone near the site remains LOW (0.25 mSv/year), below international safety limits (1 mSv/year for the general population).
At the same time, researchers identified important environmental risks:
- The stack releases radon gasat measurable rates.
- The Vardar Valley winds could spread particles and fine gypsum dustcan be carried away, as it has been detected several kilometres away, including at the archaeological site of Stobi.
- The material contains rare-earth elements, making it potentially valuable but also requiring careful handling.
- The stack is located in a tectonically active area (earthquakes can disturb the material) and the ground is permeable, creating potential for leaching into soil or groundwater.
The phosphogypsum is not safe for indoor use as a construction material because radioactivity could accumulate in enclosed spaces.
3. How the work was carried out
The researchers used a wide range of scientific methods to study the stack.
- Field sampling:Phosphogypsum samples were collected from different parts of the stack.
- Radiological analysis:Gross alpha and beta activity were measured, along with U-238, Ra-226, Pb-210, 214Pb, 214Bi, and radon (^222Rn) using gamma spectrometry and radiochemical techniques.
- Mineralogical and chemical analysis:X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), ICP-MS, and other tools were used to identify minerals, element composition, and rare-earth concentrations.
- Environmental monitoring:Radon in air, radon exhalation, and PM-10 dust were measured at locations around the stack, including cultural heritage sites.
Together, these methods provide a complete picture of both the material and its environmental impact.
4. What it means for Veles
The studies show that the phosphogypsum stack does not pose an immediate radiation danger to people living nearby. External exposure levels remain low, and occasional visits to the site would not lead to harmful radiation doses.
However, the site is still a significant environmental hot-spot. Dust can travel long distances, radon is emitted from the surface, the stack is exposed to weathering and erosion, and it lies in a tectonically active area. Without monitoring or remediation, these risks may increase over time.
The conclusions point to the need for environmental management, including dust control, radon monitoring, possible stabilization, and long-term planning. The presence of rare-earth elements (REE) also opens opportunities for safe resource recovery, if done under strict radiological controls, as FICfighter project aims to.
Want to know more?
A number of scientific publications provide detailed information on the phosphogypsum stack, its composition, radioactivity, and environmental impact. These studies offer a deeper understanding of the site and form the scientific basis for future decisions about monitoring, management, or remediation. You can read the full version of the studies (see references below) or read more about PG worldwide in the FIC-Fighters Virtual Forum.
Key References:
- Jančev, M., Boev, I., & Stojanovska, Z. (2019). Characterization of Phosphogypsum from Dumps of Veles Phosphate Fertilizer Factory. Geologica Macedonica.
- Jančev, M., Boev, I., Stojanovska, Z., & Boev, B. (2020). Evaluation of Radioactivity in the Phosphogypsum Stockpile of “HIV” Veles. Contemporary Materials.
- Jančev, M., & Boev, I. (2021). Radon Footprint from the Phosphogypsum Waste Stack near Zgropolci. Natural Resources and Technology.
- Jančev, M., & Boev, I. (2021). Impact of Gypsum from the Zgropolci Landfill on Sculptures at the Archaeological Site Stobi. Natural Resources and Technology.
- Jančev, M. (2022). Environmental Hot Spot – Landfill for Industrial Waste “HIV Veles”: Mineralogical, Geochemical and Radiochemical Research. Doctoral Thesis, Goce Delčev University.