Ratification of the Minamata Convention by the EU : complementary assessment of the mercury export ban

Based on the results of questionnaire replies from Members States and industry as well as available statistical data on international trade, the effectiveness and efficiency of the Mercury Export Ban Regulation was assessed. It is estimated that, as a result of the export ban, approximately 650 tonnes of mercury per year are prevented from reaching the global market corresponding to approximately 20 % of the global mercury supply. Prior to the export ban, the mercury was predominantly exported to developing countries and very likely, a significant part of the exported mercury was used for artisanal gold mining in developing countries. Available data indicates that the decrease in supply may not have been replaced by increased mine production outside the EU, and a threefold increase in the price of mercury can most probably be attributed to the decreased supply of mercury from the EU and the USA. The responses to the study questionnaires indicate that the objective of the Mercury Export Ban Regulation to ensure safe storage of surplus mercury within the EU has still not been met. According to the stakeholders, specific conditions and criteria for environmentally safe permanent storage of metallic mercury are needed.