PROJECT “Remedial Solutions for the Boroo Mercury”

Main objective

The development and validation of technical solutions for the remediation of a mercury‑contaminated site, as well as the safe recovery and management of mercury in a region historically affected by mining activities.

Carried out by 

The project was carried out by an international consortium formed by MAYASA, EMGRISA and POLYECO, and funded by UNIDO, in association with the Ministry of Environment of Mongolia  

Action framework

The intervention was framed within the Mercury Programme promoted by UNIDO, with the support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), aimed at facilitating the ratification and implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

During the implementation of the project, work was conducted to monitor the quality of surface and groundwater, as well as pilot tests of different remediation techniques for mercury‑contaminated soils, assessing their effectiveness and feasibility under real site conditions. The techniques tested included phytoremediation, mercury fixation using iron nanoparticles, and chemical stabilization using locally available materials.

The project also incorporated an important capacity‑building and knowledge‑transfer component, through the delivery of training courses aimed at staff from the Mongolian Administration in areas related to environmental protection and environmental health. The objective was to strengthen local technical capacities for the management of mercury contamination.

The project represents a significant precedent in international cooperation in the field of remediation of mercury‑contaminated sites, combining technical solutions, institutional strengthening and the practical application of technologies, in line with the principles of the Minamata Convention and the protection of human health and the environment.