Mercury Control

From Minamata to the World, and to the Next Generation

Under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, proper management of mercury and phased control of mercury-added products are being promoted internationally. At the same time, inappropriate small-scale gold mining through using mercury is still in operation in some developing countries. This is closely related to poverty and gender issues as well as environmental and health problems, with cross-sectoral efforts based on local conditions being required. Japan, with its experiences on the Minamata disease, is actively providing technical cooperation and disseminating information on mercury control.

Roles of the OECC

The OECC supports mercury control activities mainly through 1) planning and operation of workshops and other events in Minamata for administrative officials in charge of mercury controls in developing countries, 2) collecting and organizing information on mercury, and 3) providing opportunities for environmental education and exchange of opinions targeted at youths in Japan and abroad. Utilizing its network with Minamata City, and its businesses and organizations, we are contributing to disseminating knowledge and technology accumulated in Minamata and the experiences of the people in Minamata with the world.

Our Business

Support for the Dissemination of Mercury Control Technologies

In the “Project for promoting Minamata Convention on Mercury” implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), we were in charge of translating and proofreading the packaged education materials on mercury mass flow analysis and mercury monitoring. In addition, as the secretariat for workshops and training sessions hosted by UNEP and the United Nations Industrial Organization (UNIDO), the OECC assisted in coordinating with the participants from developing countries, preparing session materials and organizing the day’s events.

Projects we were engaged in:

• UNEP Project for promoting the Minamata Convention on Mercury by making the most of Japan’s knowledge and Experiences (April 2022 ～ November 2022)
• UNEP Project for promoting Minamata Convention on Mercury by making the most of Japan’s knowledge and Experiences (December 2022 ～ June 2023)
• UNEP Training Package for Materials Mercury Mass Flow Analysis
• UNEP Training Package for Materials Mercury Monitoring

Environmental Education for Youths

The Ministry of the Environment, Japan is working to promote the next generation’s understanding of the Minamata Convention and to strengthen their actions. The OECC supports environmental education for Japanese junior and senior high school students. The OECC has supported the students to output what they have learned about mercury, the Minamata disease, the Minamata Convention, as well as their own thoughts and feelings through discussions.

• Facilitating learning sessions for mercury treatment technology, etc. (Junior High School in Minamata City)
• Assisting independent study (Senior High School in Minamata City)
• Outreach Program (for high schools in Japan that conduct classes on dealing with mercury issues)

Projects we were engaged in:

• Project for Research and Promotion regarding Contribution to the Minamata Convention by Utilizing Minamata Resources (FY2023)

Support for Information Dissemination to Youth

The Ministry of the Environment hosts an online Youth Dialogue on Mercury annually, bringing together high school students from Japan and around the world.
Participants included Minamata High School from Japan and a high school in Slovenia – which once held the world’s largest mercury mines – and high schools in Indonesia and the Philippines which currently face issues with small-scale gold mining.
The OECC coordinated with the schools in preparation for the event, their presentations and discussions, and helped in reporting the dialogue on the Minamata Convention Secretariat’s website and other media.

Projects we were engaged in:

• Project for Research and Promotion regarding Contributions to the Minamata Convention by Utilizing Minamata Resources (FY2023)
• Minamata Convention Secretariat Website Youth Engagement