Zimbabwe Accelerates Mercury Phase-Out to Meet Global Treaty Obligations

Zimbabwe is accelerating its mercury phase-out to meet the 2027 Minamata Convention targets, with new regulations, mercury-free mining technologies, and stricter import controls (image source)

HARARE — Zimbabwe is fast-tracking efforts to eliminate mercury use in industrial and artisanal sectors, as part of its commitment to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global treaty aimed at protecting human health and the environment from mercury emissions. The Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife confirmed that the country is on track to meet its 2027 phase-out targets, with new regulations and pilot projects already underway in mining, healthcare, and manufacturing. “Mercury is a silent killer — we must act decisively,” said Dr. Sosten Ziwewe, Director of Hazardous Substances Control.

Zimbabwe’s artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector is the largest consumer of mercury, where it’s used to extract gold from ore. The government has launched awareness campaigns and introduced mercury-free technologies, such as gravity concentration and borax-based methods, in hotspots like Kadoma and Mazowe. “We’ve trained over 2,000 miners on safer alternatives,” said Tariro Mudzonga, a project officer with the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA). In healthcare, mercury thermometers and sphygmomanometers are being phased out in favour of digital devices. The Ministry of Health has issued procurement guidelines to ensure all new equipment is mercury-free.

Zimbabwe ratified the Minamata Convention in 2017 and has since developed a National Action Plan (NAP) for mercury reduction. The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is enforcing stricter import controls and licensing requirements for mercury-containing products. “We’re working with customs and industry to monitor compliance,” said Rumbidzai Chikore, EMA’s chemicals officer. The government is also collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to fund pilot projects and technical training.

Mercury exposure can cause severe neurological and kidney damage, especially in children and pregnant women. In mining communities, mercury runoff contaminates rivers and soil, threatening biodiversity and food safety. “Mercury pollution is a ticking time bomb,” said Dr. Tapiwa Nyatsanza, a toxicologist. “We must eliminate it before it’s too late.”

While progress is evident, experts warn that enforcement gaps, limited funding, and resistance from informal miners could slow the transition. However, the phase-out also presents opportunities for innovation and green entrepreneurship. “We’re seeing startups offering mercury-free processing services,” said Mudzonga. “It’s a win-win for health and business.”

Zimbabwe’s mercury phase-out is part of a broader push toward sustainable development and environmental justice. With the 2027 deadline approaching, stakeholders say urgency and coordination are key. “This is about safeguarding our future,” said Ziwewe. “We owe it to the next generation.”