The use of mercury is being reduced
throughout the world due to its effects on
human health and the environment. Certain
forms of mercury and its compounds can
damage neurological development and
affect internal organs. Mercury can spread
far and wide through air and water. It is
ingested by fish and other marine life,
where it becomes concentrated as it moves
up the food chain.
There is now only one known mercury mine
in the world which continues to sell its
output abroad: Khaidarkan, in the remote
mountains of southern Kyrgyzstan.
What will happen to this “kombinat” is
still far from clear. For the international
community, continuing mercury mining
raises significant concerns. Limiting
mercury supply is one of the key elements
to any comprehensive global approach to
address mercury.
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Produced by Zoï Environment Network
www.zoinet.org