The Government of Liberia, represented by the Environmental Protection Agency, is pleased to announce the formal ratification of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The ratification was officially deposited on September 24, 2024, during a significant treaty event in New York. With this momentous step, Liberia became the 150th party to the convention, aligning with 149 other nations in a collective pledge to combat the threats associated with mercury pollution.
Mercury, often referred to as quicksilver, is a silvery-white metal that is liquid at room temperature and evaporates easily into the atmosphere. This toxic substance, which occurs in various forms including elemental, inorganic, and organic, poses severe health and environmental risks. Mercury is released into the air mainly through human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), and improper disposal of mercury-containing products.
The ratification of the Minamata Convention provides several key advantages for Liberia: First, it provides Enhanced Public Health Protections. Participation in this global effort will help safeguard Liberians, particularly at-risk populations, from the harmful effects of mercury exposure. Secondly, Liberia will be eligible for international financial and technical assistance under the Convention, which includes support for capacity building and the implementation of mercury management strategies.
Third, aligning with the Minamata Convention strengthens Liberia’s commitment to achieving various SDGs, particularly those related to health, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. Fourth, with the obligation to implement the Convention’s provisions, Liberia will undertake the necessary legal and regulatory reforms to better manage mercury and mercury-added products within the country. Finally, Ratification will facilitate research into mercury-free alternatives and improve data collection on mercury usage and distribution, contributing to better decision-making.
The World Health Organization recognizes mercury as one of the top ten chemicals posing significant public health concerns. Exposure, even to small amounts of mercury, can result in serious health issues: impaired neurological development, respiratory problems, kidney damage, and reproductive disorders, especially affecting vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.
The Minamata Convention was established to address and mitigate the significant risk posed by mercury and its compounds. Named after the Japanese coastal town where industrial mercury pollution led to severe health crises in the mid-20th century, the convention aims to safeguard human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury.
Key Highlights of the Minamata Convention:
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Ban on New Mercury Mines: Prohibiting the opening of new mercury mines and phasing out existing operations.
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Regulation of Mercury Use: Gradual phase-out and phase-down of mercury utilization in several products and processes.
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Control Measures: Implementing strict measures on emissions to air and halting features that result in releases to land and water.
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Artisanal Mining Regulations: Addressing the informal sector, particularly ASGM, through safer practices and regulations.
The Minamata Convention was initially agreed upon in January 2013 in Geneva, Switzerland, and later adopted at a diplomatic conference in Kumamoto, Japan. It came into force on August 16, 2017.
Liberia’s journey towards ratification began on September 24, 2014, when the country signed the Minamata Convention. Recognizing the significant threats posed by mercury, especially within the ASGM sector, the Government of Liberia, under the leadership of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), actively engaged in global initiatives to address mercury pollution.
“Today marks a crucial moment for our nation. By ratifying the Minamata Convention, Liberia reinforces its commitment to safeguard the health of its citizens and the environment. This isn’t just a symbolic gesture; it’s a pledge to take action, be accountable, and collaborate with the international community in the fight against mercury pollution,” emphasized Dr. Emmanuel K. Yarkpawolo, EPA Executive Director.
Challenges remain for Liberia
Despite the signing and ratification, significant challenges remain. Liberia currently lacks a comprehensive mercury inventory, with a limited understanding of mercury stocks, trade, and environmental impacts. Additionally, many mercury-related projects have yet to be implemented, and an effective regulatory framework is not yet in place.
The Government of Liberia recognizes these gaps and is committed to the development of effective policies to integrate mercury management into the nation’s sustainable development planning. Regular consultation with stakeholders and the public will be essential as we move forward to address these critical issues.
The Government of Liberia invites all citizens, civil society organizations, and international partners to join in this critical fight against mercury pollution. Together, we can work towards a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for all Liberians.
