The use of mercury in manufacturing contributes to environmental contamination and poses risks to workers and communities. The Convention establishes clear deadlines for eliminating certain mercury-based processes and promotes the transition to mercury-free technologies. These obligations are designed to prevent the continued release of mercury into the environment and to support the adoption of sustainable alternatives.

Transitioning to safer alternatives
 

Annex B, Part I of the Convention identifies mercury-using manufacturing processes that must be completely phased out by 2025, including mercury-cell chlor-alkali production. Part II outlines processes where mercury use must be minimized, such as vinyl chloride monomer production involving mercury catalysts. Parties are required to implement measures to ensure compliance, including prohibiting the establishment of new facilities that rely on mercury-based technologies and facilitating the transition of existing facilities toward mercury-free alternatives.

 


A framework for industrial transformation
 

Parties to the Convention must adhere to the phase-out and restriction measures outlined in Annex B, ensuring timely implementation. Collaboration among industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers is essential to drive technological advancements and ensure a smooth transition to mercury-free production processes.

 

Meet the expert
 

Should you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact Eisaku Toda, Senior Programme Management Officer of the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, at eisaku.toda [at] un.org (eisaku[dot]toda[at]un[dot]org).