The Minamata Convention – what does it really mean for ASGM?

Under the new treaty, countries where ASGM takes place will have to reduce, and where feasible, eliminate mercury use in the sector.  The treaty does not require an outright ban of mercury use (contrary to some early erroneous reports), although restrictions on the supply and trade of mercury will likely make it more expensive and harder to find.  Given that ASGM is now estimated to be the world’s largest source of mercury pollution, this approach may strike some observers as too flexible and even weak.  If ASGM is such an important mercury pollution source, why not go all out and ban mercury use in ASGM immediately? 
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