THE Zimbabwe Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Council (ZASMC) has urged stakeholders to come up with solutions to address challenges that will arise from the proposed ban on the use of mercury in industrial processes, including mining.
Representatives from more than 140 countries including Zimbabwe met in Switzerland early last year and agreed to sign a treaty to phase out the use of mercury in industrial applications.
This was in view of the United Nations’ acknowledgement that mercury posed a health risk worldwide.
ZASMC president Mr Wellington Takavarasha said the global commitment to sign a treaty against the use of mercury represented a major breakthrough considering the risk associated with its use.
“Mercury is a potent neurotoxin and the United Nations reports that mercury pollution poses a health risk globally. Government delegates agreed to phase out the use of mercury over time in all industrial sectors including gold mining in order to minimise global pollution,” he said.
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