Governance & Policy
Minamata Convention
Definition
The Minamata Convention on Mercury, adopted in 2013 and in force since 2017, obliges parties to reduce and where feasible eliminate mercury use. It bans new mercury mines, phases down artisanal gold-mining use, restricts mercury in products such as batteries and lamps, controls emissions from coal power and industry, and addresses storage and contaminated sites.
References
Scope, obligations and entry into force
Mercury science and policy context
Overview
What it means
A neurotoxic metal with centuries of industrial use is being systematically phased out of products, processes and trade worldwide.
How it is used
Dentistry and product manufacturers phase out mercury; governments regulate small-scale gold mining; utilities manage coal-plant mercury controls.
Why it matters
Mercury pollution is global and irreversible in food chains; this is the treaty coordinating its elimination.
Review questions
What source or framework gives the term authority? What boundary or role is being described? What evidence would a reviewer need before relying on the term?