The Global Mercury Trade

IPEN warns that the use of mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) continues to be the leading global source of mercury pollution. To achieve significant reductions in mercury use in ASGM, it will be necessary to amend the Minamata Convention to end the trade in mercury (which is currently permitted) and to establish a 2032 phase-out date for ASGM as an allowable use of mercury. 

This will need to be supported by a major effort by Parties and donors to roll out, at an industrial scale, mercury-free technologies and associated training to allow gold miners to maintain a livelihood without poisoning themselves and the food chain with mercury.

Read the full briefing, below, for more.