Zimbabwe bans the use of mercury in mining

Zimbabwe's state media reported on Tuesday that Zimbabwe has banned the use of mercury in mining and placed controls on its release from industrial operations, joining several countries that have phased out the toxic meta.

The state-owned Herald newspaper reported that the country had ratified the Minamata Convention, banning the use of mercury in mining and put in place regulatory measures to stop its release from industrial equipment like boilers, incinerators and power stations.

Small-scale gold miners who use mercury to extract gold will be affected by the ban. 

Small-scale mines in Zimbabwe currently generate more than half the production of the country. 

Mercury, which is easily accessible in Zimbabwe to miners, is extremely poisonous and, where it contaminates food and waters, raises significant public health threats.