The Minamata Convention prohibits new primary mining of mercury, and bans mined mercury traded for certain uses—such as for artisanal and small-scale gold mining—the largest emissions source worldwide, Bender told Bloomberg BNA via email.
Members of the convention are obliged to promote mercury-free gold processing methods and end the practice of burning the mercury-gold amalgam in residential areas.
The treaty also obligates countries to promote heath care services for people who are exposed to mercury and protect vulnerable populations, including children and women of child-bearing age.
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