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