UNEP and UNITAR are pleased to
present to you this
overview document outlining the situation regarding the
world’s last known exporting mercury mine – at
Khaidarkan in southern Kyrgyzstan. For the past two
years, significant efforts have been taking place at the
international level to assist the
Government of Kyrgyzstan and national
and local stakeholders to consider options regarding the
future of the mine and its associated infrastructure.
What is known as “primary”
mercury mining is almost a thing of
the past. Significant international efforts are taking
place under the auspices of UNEP, to ensure that a
global legally binding instrument
will be agreed by 2013. The issue of mercury supply is to be
addressed during these negotiations.
The continued introduction of “new” mercury from the
Khaidarkan mine – which adds to the already significant international supply of mercury currently
being
traded – further highlights the need for international
action to support alternatives to
mercury mining in Kyrgyzstan. |
|
With initial support of the
Government of Switzerland and the
United States of America, UNITAR and UNEP have
assisted the Kyrgyz Government
as they grapple with the complex
issues related to the future of the mine. As
you will see in this publication, the region of the
country where the mine is situated faces long-term economic
and environmental challenges that make the possible
closure of the mine a contentious issue.
The international community has
shown encouraging
signs of support for the future of Khaidarkan – asking for
options that can be considered for support
should a decision to close the mine be fimly made by
Kyrgyzstan. Should this decision be made, we all can
therefore be more certain that a “win-win” – for the
global environment and the local community of Khaidarkan –
can be realized. More recent funding support
from the Government of Norway has also been warmly
welcomed. |