Côte d’Ivoire to ratify Minamata Convention on mercury

Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire (PANA) - The Ivorian government on Wednesday adopted a bill authorising president Alassane Ouattara to ratify the Minamata Convention on mercury, signed on 10 October 2013 in the Japanese city of Kumamoto. The ratification of the Convention will enable Cote d'Ivoire, along with other member states, to particularly fight against illegal gold mining. The Minamata Convention aims to reduce significantly the production and use of mercury in industrial or artisanal making processes. It regulates the trade, storing and treatment of waste that contains mercury. In addition, it sets a surveillance mechanism that obliges member states to elaborate national action plans meant to eliminate the worst forms of use of mercury and contain the risks on health. The Convention came into force on 16 August 2017 as set in its Article 31 the 90th day following the registration of the 50th ratification, acceptation approval or membership tool. So far, 128 countries have signed the convention and 86 have ratified it. -0- PANA BAL/IS/MSA/VZAO 10 April2019