Other projects
Content
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE PROJECT “Reducing Pollution from Harmful Chemicals and Wastes in Mediterranean Hot Spots and Measuring Progress to Impacts”
Project funded by the GEF, implemented by UNEP/MAP, within the GEF MedProgramme.
The Mercury Technology Centre (CTM) carried out specialized technical advisory work for the diagnosis of the mercury situation in five countries within the scope of the Barcelona Convention: Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia.
The work conducted included the analysis of estimates of mercury stored for treatment, the identification of the main sources of contamination, and the proposal of action lines and basic measures aimed at reducing mercury pollution. These outputs served as a basis for decision‑making by the competent authorities of each country, contributing to the strengthening of regional technical knowledge and supporting the efforts of Mediterranean countries in the sound management of hazardous chemicals, in line with international commitments for the protection of the environment and human health.
The study adopted a regional and integrated approach for these countries, incorporating not only the analysis of hazardous waste and chemical management, but also the assessment of progress towards actual environmental impacts. This approach—particularly relevant in a transboundary context such as the Mediterranean—anticipated methodologies that were later consolidated in international programs focused on pollution reduction and on measuring progress towards impact‑level outcomes.
TECHNICAL MANUAL ON MERCURY - PERÚ
Project: Preparation of the Technical Manual for the Environmentally Sound Storage of Elemental Mercury and Mercury Waste in Peru, developed within the framework of an open tender process.
The Swiss Better Gold Initiative (SBG) carries out activities in Peru to support the reduction and elimination of mercury in artisanal and small‑scale gold mining, in line with the Minamata Convention, the Basel Convention guidelines, and the policies of MINAM and MINEM.
Main objective
The work consisted of preparing a technical manual for the environmentally sound storage of elemental mercury and mercury waste, adapted to the Peruvian regulatory, institutional and operational context. The document defines clear and applicable criteria regarding:
- Storage infrastructure
- Types of containers and material compatibility
- Emission and spill control
- Emergency and response plans.
The manual is geared towards practical application and aimed at processing plants, artisanal and small‑scale mining (ASGM) operators, local authorities, waste managers, and projects supported by SBG. Its ultimate objectives are to reduce environmental and health risks, improve regulatory compliance, support mining formalization processes, and strengthen the traceability and accountability required by SBG.
The document complements existing guidance in Peru, such as the Basic Guide for the Temporary Storage, Handling and Transport of Mercury in Peru (2022) and the UNEP/Minamata guidelines on mercury storage and waste management.
