Kyrgyz Primary Mercury Mine Project - Inception Workshop

The Kyrgyz Republic operates, in the town of Khaidarkan, the last primary mercury mine known to export mercury to the global market-place. It represents approximately 10% of the global mercury market. Generating new primary mercury is considered by the international community as the least preferred source of mercury supply, and action to assist the Kyrgyz Republic to transition away from primary mining has been recognized as a priority.

The goal of this project is to assist the Kyrgyz Republic to transition to more sustainable economic activities over the long term, in light of the future Minamata Convention on Mercury. Ultimately, limiting mercury supply globally will encourage the transition to alternative technologies in areas where mercury is still used. The Global Environment Facility and the Government of Norway  supported the activities undertaken by the Kyrgyz Republic.

The project aims to initially support transition actions in three thematic areas identified as:

1. Reduction of most immediate threats posed by the mine site to the environment and the local population;
2. Promotion of investment in other industrial activities in the region; and
3. Promotion of local alternative employment in the region.

The Inception Workshop was held in Bishkek in 13-14 December 2012.
Meeting Report  English - Russian

UNEP Presentation

Kyrgyzstan project information brochure