Ethiopia MIA 2018

Mercury Initial Assessment Report
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change1
About this document
National governments, with funding provided by the GEF and technical

assistance provided by GEF implementing agencies, will over the next few years
be implementing Minamata Initial Assessments (MIAs) Enabling Activities (EAs)
(from here on referred to as “MIA projects”) that aim to strengthen national
decision-making toward ratification of the Minamata Convention on Mercury and
build national capacity towards implementation of future obligations.
Another objective of the MIA stems from the Minamata Convention’s Article 30
(paragraph 4), which states “Each State or regional economic integration
organization” is encouraged to transmit to the Secretariat at the time of its
ratification, acceptance, approval or accession of the Convention information on
its measures to implement the Convention.”
A MIA project provides an opportunity for a country to undertake a mercury

inventory, determine and agree upon the measures it will take to implement
the Convention, estimate associated costs and communicate this
information in a concise and clear manner.
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Table of Contents
Glossary ...................................................................................................................... 4
Foreword by Government Official ............................................................................... 5
Acknowledgement ...................................................................................................... 6
Scope and Limitations ................................................................................................. 7
Executive Summary ..................................................................................................... 8
Introduction .............................................................................................................. 11
Chapter I: National Background Information ............................................................. 14
1.1 Country profile ..................................................................................................................................................14
Chapter II: Mercury Inventory and Identification of Emissions and Resources ........... 23
2.1 Identified hot-spots of Mercury Contamination (Contaminated Sites) ...........................23
2.2 Data and inventory on Extraction and Use of Fuels/Energy ................................................23
2.3 Data and inventory on Primary (Virgin) Metal Production ..................................................30
2.4 Data and inventory on intentional Use of Mercury in Industrial Processes ..................33
2.5 Data and inventory on Production of Other Minerals and Materials with Mercury
Impurities ....................................................................................................................................................................33
2.6 Data and inventory on Consumer Products with Intentional Use of Mercury ..............35
2.7 Data and inventory on Other Intentional Use/Processes in Use.........................................49
2.8 Data and inventory on Production of Recycled Metals ...........................................................56
2.9 Data and inventory on Waste Incineration and Burning ........................................................58
2.10 Data and inventory on Waste Disposal, Deposition/landfilling ..........................................62
2.11 Data and inventory on Crematoria and Cemeteries .................................................................64
Chapter III: Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Framework Assessment ................... 66
3.1 Policy and Regulatory Assessment ...........................................................................................................66
3.2 Institutional Assessment...............................................................................................................................82
ChapterIV: Identification of Populations at Risks and Gender Dimensions ................110
4.1 Preliminary Review of Potential Populations at Risk and Potential Health Risks and
Gender Dimensions Related to The Management of Mercury .......................................................... 110
Chapter V: Awareness/Understanding of Workers and the Public; and Existing Training
and Education Opportunities of Target Groups and Professionals.............................110
ANNEX I: Stakeholder Engagement process ..........................................................112
ANNEX II: UNEP TOOLKIT Calculation Spreadsheet.............................................113
Useful Resources ......................................................................................................121
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Glossary
FDRE – Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
MIA – Mercury Initial Assessment
ERCA- Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority
MOFEC- Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation
MoWIE – Ministry of Water. Irrigation and Electric
EPA- Environmental Protection Agency
COP Conference of Parties
EEU Ethiopia Electric Utility
EEPCO Ethiopia Electric Power Corporation
METEC Metals Engineering Corporations
METEC-EPEI Metals Engineering Corporation –Ethiopia Power Engineering

Industry
MEFCC Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
HEPP Hydro Electric Power Plants
NGOs Non- Governmental Organizations
NIP National Implementation Plan
PCBs Polychlorinated biphenyls
POPs Persistent Organic Pollutants
4
Foreword by Government Official
In the past few decades, the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of
Ethiopia has significantly strengthened its effort to protect the environment from
the harmful interventions of humans. Many lessons have been learned and
systems are in the process of being strengthened, to ensure impact to the
environment is reduced. Ethiopia is not a significant user of chemicals in general
and mercury in particular. This, by no means, should implicate that the Country is
not taking efforts to reduce the adverse impact of chemicals. Ethiopia recognizes
the possible benefits of chemicals for development if managed properly in an
environmentally sound manner. To this effect, Ethiopia is part of the major
chemical conventions, Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm and Bamako Conventions.
National efforts are being undertaken to implement the conventions and meet
national obligations stipulated in the respective conventions.
Ethiopia is undertaking this Mercury Initial Assessment to foresee the extent of

mercury problem in the Country, to assess the compatibility of national legislative
frameworks to implement the obligations under the Minamata Convention. The
Government is continuing its efforts to address issues related to mercury by
creating awareness to the community. This assessment will guide policy makers
and technical experts in taking further actions to reduce the release of mercury to
the environment.
H.E Rd. Gemedo Dalle

Minister,
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
5
Acknowledgement
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ministry of Environment, Forest

and Climate Change is honored to present the this important and prestigious
study. We are thankful to experts in different offices for their unreserved support
in the study and necessary guidance at various stages of the study. We are also
extremely thankful to those who have helped in facilitating the survey, data
collection and providing information. In this context we wish to thank the chief
facilitator and Director General of Law, Standards and Policy Directorate Dr.
Ayele Hegena Anabo, Project coordinator Mr. Binyam Yakob Gebreyes and the
lead inventory experts Mr. Belachew Hailemariam Maru and Mr. Girma Gemechu
Kenne.
Special thanks are due to the project funding entity GEF (Global Environmental
Facility) for the financial support, UNEP and Groundworks for their unreserved
assistance through out the project implementation. We acknowledge with
gratitude the intellectual advice and support of Mr. Jakob Maag and Mr. Rico
Euripidou provided both technically and logistically. We are also highly thankful to
officials of numerous non-government organizations for their cooperation with the
during the course of field work.
Finally, but not the least, we are extremely thankful to all the respondents, who
took out time to answer lengthy questionnaires and sparing time. We are
extremely confident that this report would go a long way in helping the policy
makers in their effort of making a better environment for Ethiopia. The report
would also be helpful to academicians and researchers in understanding the
problems of mercury at large.
H.E Mr. Kare Chawicha

State Minister, Environment and Climate Change Sector
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Scope and Limitations
This report has been prepared based on the outlines Mercury initial Assessment
project and as per UNEP toolkit. This report constitutes a technical account and
by no means a policy document. Any opinions expressed are those of the
authors and use of the information in the report by any other party or for any
other purpose is at that party’s risk.
This report has been crafted based on available national and international
literatures. The information has been accepted as provided and has not been
peer reviewed by international experts. The data has been used in good faith but
it could contain errors and assumptions.
In calculating emission input factors, default toolkit value has been used due to
lack of reliable data’s. Where UNEP Toolkit default emission factors have had to
be used it is expected that these values will result in conservative (high)
estimates. The lack of reliable data may have resulted in over or under-estimates
of particular types of emission sources, and of the natural and anthropogenic
totals.
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Executive Summary
The objective of the Mercury initial assessment is to facilitate the ratification and
early implementation of the Minamata Convention by providing key national
stakeholders in participating countries with the scientific and technical knowledge
and tools needed for that purpose. The main outputs will be assessments of
national infrastructure and capacity for the management of mercury, mercury
release inventories and the identification of challenges, needs and opportunities
to implement the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Generally, this inventory
tries to develop a situation analysis of mercury in Ethiopia and assess mercury
use and sources, mercury containing products, and identify, if any, vulnerable
populations that require awareness raising about the mercury issue to protect
human health and the environment.
Mercury is a toxic, naturally occurring heavy metal. It occurs in three forms,

elemental mercury (as a liquid or vapour), inorganic mercury compounds and
organic mercury compounds. The most toxic form is the organic compound
methyl-mercury. Elemental mercury and inorganic and organic mercury
compounds can be transformed in the environment from one form to another in a
series of complex processes. In general, however, elemental mercury exists
mostly in the atmosphere, while inorganic and organic mercury compounds exist
mostly in land and water environments.
The total annual mercury emissions for Ethiopia in the year 2014/15 have been
estimated using the 2017 draft of the UNEP Mercury Toolkit to be 67,152 kg
Hg/year. A lack of data means that some of the UNEP categories could not be
estimated or were over estimated. Emissions from these sources are thought to
be small. The most significant sources of mercury identified in the inventory
comprising 33% (22198 Kg Hg/year) of the mercury emission was consumer
products with intentional use of mercury and primary metal production with 28%
(18750 Kg Hg/year) of the total mercury emission.
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More specifically, Batteries with mercury was calculated with the highest input to
society with 8116 Kg Hg/year followed by Thermometers with mercury and
Electrical switches and relays with mercury with their respective emission of 6171
Kg Hg/year and 5170 Kg Hg/year. This number could vary as estimates where
taken in determining the specific type of batteries, thermometers and electrical
switches and relays. Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority registers only 10
Digit HS Code which limits the possibility of identifying imported items with
mercury content. Thus, inventory team resorted to other data sources and
estimates.
With respect to the effects of mercury on the environment, most concern has
been expressed globally over the accumulation of anthropogenic mercury from
diffuse sources in aquatic ecosystems. Bioaccumulation and bio magnification of
mercury may result in adverse effects on the aquatic animals and associated
wildlife, but can also cause increased dietary intakes of mercury in the human
population due to higher concentrations of methyl-mercury in fish. There is limited
evidence that mercury exposure is of concern in Ethiopia, however. Existing
national data and information for and beyond 2014 implicate that the Gold and
silver extraction is done via traditional method free from mercury use.
There are numerous environmental legislations that regulate and control matters
related to the use, storage and discharge of hazardous substances. Both
International agreements and national legislative frameworks exist for the
adequate management of chemicals in general. But there is no specific
legislation regarding mercury and mercury added products.
The study has shown that significant mercury release is from Mercury added
products. The Minamata Convention on Mercury aims to limit the use of mercury
added products listed under the annex mostly by 2020. As Ethiopia is not a
producer but an importer, phase out should be done in a strategic manner.
Ethiopia supports the phase out of mercury added products like batteries,
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thermometers, light sources, however, inventories have showed that the country
imports and uses these products. Ethiopia should aim to develop applicable
strategies in terms of environmental and health consideration as well as socio-
economic aspects, to adopt alternatives and phase out procedures. Thus,
request should be made for exemption for import of these mercury added
products to 2025.
Summary Graph
18.000
16.000
14.000
12.000
10.000
8.000
6.000
4.000
2.000
0
Air Water Land By-products and impurities General waste Sector specific treatment/disposal
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Introduction
The Minamata Convention on Mercury, adopted in October 2013 in Japan, seeks

"to protect the human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions
and releases of mercury and mercury compounds". Exposure to high levels of
mercury can cause harm to the brain, lungs, kidneys and immune system of
people of all ages. Human exposure through eating of contaminated fish is due to
the increased levels of mercury in the environment. The Minamata Convention on
Mercury (Convention) is a major international development in controlling the
harmful effects of mercury pollution. The Convention is the latest in the series of
chemicals and waste conventions. It follows the Stockholm Convention on
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), 12 years after that convention was
adopted in 2001.
This objective reflects the critical findings of UNEP’s first Global Mercury
Assessment in 2002, and the updated 2013 Global Mercury Assessment.4 Both
documents highlight the adverse impacts of mercury to human health and the
environment, mercury’s global reach, and the serious challenges facing its
continued use and risk.
The limited focus of the Convention, however, belies the range of control it has
over the life cycle of mercury. The Convention covers the following major areas:
1. Mercury supply sources and trade (Art. 3);

2. Mercury-added products (Art.4);
3. Manufacturing processes in which mercury or mercury compounds are used
(Art. 5);
4. Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) (Article 7);
5. Emissions (to air) (Art. 8);
6. Releases (to land and water) (Art. 9);
7. Environmentally sound interim storage of mercury, other than mercury
waste (Art. 10);
8. Mercury wastes (Art. 11);
9. Contaminated sites (Art.12); and
10. Health aspects (Art. 16).
The Convention also outlines certain processes that will help countries comply
with their obligations, and ensure that other countries will do the same. These
include:
1.Financial resources and mechanism (Art.13);

2.Capacity-building, technical assistance, and technology transfer (Art.14);
3.Implementation and Compliance Committee (Art. 15);
4.Information exchange (Art. 17);
5.Public information, awareness, and education (Art. 18);
6.Research, development, and monitoring (Art. 19); and
7.Implementation plans (Art. 20).
The objective of the Mercury initial assessment is to facilitate the ratification and
early implementation of the Minamata Convention by providing key national
stakeholders in participating countries with the scientific and technical knowledge
and tools needed for that purpose. The main outputs will be assessments of
national infrastructure and capacity for the management of mercury, mercury
release inventories and the identification of challenges, needs and opportunities
to implement the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
Ethiopia along with four African countries signed an Enabling activity project to
develop Minamata convention initial assessment. GEF/ UNEP project Enabling
Activity Development of Minamata Initial Assessment in Ethiopia is implemented
by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in cooperation with
other relevant ministries, and the expected out-comes will contribute to policy
makers for the ratification of the Minamata Convention. The project objective is to
facilitate the ratification and early implementation of the Minamata Convention by
providing key national stakeholders in participating countries with the scientific
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and technical knowledge and tools needed for that purpose. The main outputs
will be assessments of national infrastructure and capacity for the management
of mercury, mercury release inventories and the identification of challenges,
needs and opportunities to implement the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
Before Ethiopia ratifies the Minamata Convention, there is a need to assess the
existing policy and legislation to identify what current laws may need to be
changed in order to conform fully to this convention. Not only the legal framework
but the amount of mercury release must be clearly known. This information is
crucial and critical for policy makers and key stakeholders in the ratification
process. Total amount of 126,000 USD is allocated to the Mercury Initial
Assessment Project. First National Inception Workshop has been held in August
2015 and 2 staff Members of the Ministry took part in the training on the inventory
in Cape Town, South Africa. Following the training the inventory team made a
mapping exercise of key stakeholders and methodology for data collection. In the
process different consultations have been made in peer-to-peer review and group
discussions. Fields visits to gold mining sites were undertaken to observe method
of Gold mining of Artisanal and Gold Scale Miners.
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Chapter I: National Background Information
1.1 Country profile
Chemicals are an integral part of our life. Many socioeconomic evidences show
that they are essential elements in improving the quality and quantity of
production and productivity in agriculture, health, mining, energy production,
manufacturing and service giving industries. They are also useful not only in
bringing about clean technologies in our daily life but also contributes a lot to the
efforts of poverty alleviation for the fact that they are sources of employment and
income for large number of people. It is, therefore, certain that millions of people
lead improved life because of the thousands of chemicals released in the global
market. Although they are major contributor to the national as well as global
socioeconomic development, chemicals can have adverse effects on human
health and environment unless they are properly managed. The releases from
the production, distribution, consumption and disposal of chemicals may
permanently damage the bio-physical environment. They can be the cause for
harmful effects, for instance, on workers, consumers or other affected
communities as well as the environment at large through exposure.
Ethiopia is endowed with various natural resources. The resources are however
affected by continuous malpractices and natural catastrophes. Unattended
human activities increase in the exploitation of natural resources is a major cause
of natural resource depletion. Even though the national use of chemicals and
more specifically mercury is insignificant, the potential increase of use of mercury
as the country shifts to an industry led economy will be an area for concern.
Ethiopia is neither a heavy user nor a producer of mercury chemicals. The

chemical industry in general in Ethiopia is very young. What the sub-sector
produces is limited to consumer chemicals- soaps, detergents, paints, drugs, and
a few industrial chemicals like carbon dioxide, oxygen, foam, alkyine resin,
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Caustic Soda produced by non mercury (old) catalyst process, aluminium
sulphate and sulphuric acid. Most chemicals are imported from diverse countries.
1.1.1 Geography and population
Scientific studies on the environmental behaviour of chemicals revealed that

some geographical factors directly or indirectly affect their residence time
(degradation processes) and global distribution through various transportation
media (such as water, air, food chain). Climate variables (temperature,
precipitations, Wind speed, atmospheric pressure, light and radiation), marine
salinity, ocean currents, ice cover, vegetation mass and type, organic carbon
content, sediment re-suspension and deposition, and population dynamics affect
the emission rates from primary and secondary sources, particle–phase
partitioning, reaction rates (biodegradation, oxidation), air–surface exchange
(volatilization), air–soil exchange (deposition) and hydroxyl radical formation of
chemicals.
Ethiopia is a land locked country located in the Horn of Africa stretching from 30
to 150N and 330 to 480E. It shares boarder with Djibouti in the northeast,
Somalia in the east and southeast, Kenya in the south, South Sudan in the west,
the Sudan in the northwest, and Eritrea in the north. It occupies a strategic
position between Europe, the Middle East and Africa with total area coverage of
about 1.104 million square kilometres (440,284 square miles).
The country is characterized largely by high flat-topped plateaus and mountain

ranges with deep gorges, incised river valleys and vast rolling plains. Its altitude
ranges from more than 100 meters below sea level to mountain peaks of over
4600 meters above sea level. The Great East African Rift Valley system, which is
stretching from Syria to Mozambique, bisects the extensive highlands of the
country into the western and the south-eastern highlands. These highlands form
high escarpment towards the rift-system and gradually descend to the eastern,
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western and southern lowlands of the country. The variation in altitude has great
influence on the country’s climate.
The principal climate group prevailing in the country, in general, includes dry,
tropical rainy and warm temperate rainy climates. Spatially, the central plateaus
have moderate climate with minimal seasonal temperature variation. And, the
temperature variations in the lowlands are much greater with occasional highs of
60°C. The average annual precipitation also varies from less than 100mm in the
arid region to above 2000mm in wet areas.
Temporally, there are two distinct seasons, i.e. the dry season, which is for the
most part from October to May and rainy season, from June to September. Large
part of the country receives heavy rainfall during June, July and August. The high
plateaus also experience a second, though much milder, rainy season between
December and February. However, the eastern and south-eastern highlands
receive bi-annual precipitation during autumn and spring seasons.
The plateaus and mountain ranges of the country are dissected by a number of
streams and rivers that drain twelve major river basins and numerous sub-basins
with 122 billion m3 estimated annual flow of water. The first ten major rivers
cover a total length of more than 7000 km. The country also has lakes, mostly
confined to the rift-valley basin, and swamps that all together cover about 7500
km2 area. The wide range of altitude and climate has made the country known
for high ecological diversity that extends from desert through tropical forests to
alpine. This ecological diversity encourages the existence of endemic plant and
animal species in the country.
Ethiopia is the second populous country, following Nigeria, in Africa with recently
estimated number of more than ninety million inhabitants and annual growth rate
of 2.5%. Of the total population, female accounts for almost 50%. In terms of age
group, more than 36 million are under fifteen while a little more than four million
are 60 and above years of age. The overwhelming majority of the population
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(about 72.6 million) resides in rural areas where as the urban population is
estimated to be 17.4million. However, population growth in urban areas is out
stripping rural areas mainly due to high rural-urban migration. The overall
population density of the country is 45 persons per square kilometre. However,
the pattern of population distribution is uneven. For instance, more than 85% of
the population is concentrated in barely 45% of the total area, i.e. the highlands
which are favoured by relatively higher rainfall, cool temperature and low malaria
and tsetse fly incidences.
1.1.2 Political, legal and economic profile
Ethiopia adopted a federal system with parliamentarian form of government

named after the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The Federal
Democratic Republic of Ethiopia comprises the Federal Government and nine
regional states, viz. the National Regional States of Tigray, Afar, Amhara, Oromia,
Somali, Benishangul-Gumuz, the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples,
Gambela Peoples and Harari People. Addis Ababa, the Capital City of the
Federal Government, and Dire Dawa are the two city administrations that are
accountable to the federal government, and provided with full measure of self-
government. Both the Federal Government and member Regional States have
their own legislatives, executive and judicial powers.
The federal system of the country comprises two federal houses: The House of
Peoples’ Representatives that are elected by the people for a term of five years
on the basis of universal suffrage, and the House of the Federation that is
composed of at list a representative selected by the state council from each
nation, nationality and people.
The highest authority of the Federal Government vested in the power of the
House of Peoples’ Representatives, which is responsible to the People of the
country in general, and the highest organ of the Regional State Authority resides
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in the power of the Regional State Council, which is responsible to the people of
the state in particular.
The executive branch includes the President, the Council of States, and the
Council of Ministers. The president of the federal government is the Head of
State. The term of office of the president will be six years, and a person can
become a president only for two terms. And, the highest executive powers of the
federal government are vested in the Prime Minister, who is the chief executive,
the Chairman of the Council of Ministers and the Commander-in-Chief of the
national armed forces, and Council of Ministers. The Regional State
Administration constitutes the highest organ of executive power. Supreme
Federal and State judicial authority is vested in the Federal and Regional State
Supreme Courts, respectively. Unless it deems necessary, the Regional State
Courts are delegated to the jurisdictions of the Federal High and First-Instance
Courts. Adequate power is also granted to the lowest administrative units to
facilitate the direct participation of the people in their own administrative matters.
Ethiopia envisions a major leap in economic structure and income level through
enhanced private investment and agriculture-led industrialization. To achieve this
vision, it has been implementing policies, strategies and plans to guide and
manage the overall development efforts.
1.1.3 Profiles of economic sectors
The country has formulated the First five years Growth and Transformation Plan
(GTP-I) that lasts between 2010/11 and 2014/15 (its fiscal year) with the
objective of achieving rapid, broad-based, sustained and equitable economic
growth by to eradicate poverty. The major goals of this macroeconomic policy
were to maintain double digit economic growth within a stable macroeconomic
environment, to increase the share of gross domestic saving (GDS) in GDP to 15
percent and to increase the share of export in GDP to 22.5 percent (GTP II).
During the first four years of implementation period (2010/11-2013/14), it has
registered high annual average rate of real GDP (10.1%), which has been
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inclusive, spanning different economic sectors such as agriculture, industry and
services that have registered an annual average growth rate of 6.6%, 20% and
10.7%, respectively (National Planning Commission (2015).
Sector Base year (2009/10) Average1 (2010/11-2013/14)

Agriculture & allied activities 7.6 6.6
Crop 8.7 7.5
Livestock & Hunting 6.2 5.0
Industry 10.8 20.0
Construction 10.9 29.9
Manufacturing 11.6 13.0
Service Sector 13.2 10.7
Gross Domestic Product 10.5 10.1
Table 1: GDP growth rate by major economic sectors (%)Source: National
Planning Commission (2015), the Second Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP
II), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The share of, respectively, in 2013/14 fiscal year in GDP averaged at 40.2%,
14.3% and 46.2 %, (GTP II). Agriculture, which contributes 40.2%, 80% and
70% to the gross domestic product, the national employment and the export
earnings of the country, respectively, is the mainstay of the country’s economy
(www.africaneconomicoutlook.org). The growth and transformation plan of
Ethiopia aims to maintain the role of agriculture as a major source for economic
growth and poverty reduction. To increase agricultural production, the
government has pursued a number of initiatives such as promoting the use of
modern technologies, supporting the commercialization of agriculture and
production of high value crops, encouraging micro irrigation schemes, and
improving marketing institutions and infrastructure. Major efforts have also been
made to ensure adequate agricultural input supply and strengthen agricultural
extension services.
The industrial sector is also growing positive during the first four years of the GTP
I implementation period. For instance, the share of the industrial sector in the real
GDP was 14.3%, of which the share of manufacturing averaged about 5% while
construction accounts for nearly 50% (National Planning Commission (2015). In
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this period, the export-oriented light manufacturing industries particularly textile,
garment, leather, furniture, agro processing and other small and medium scale
manufacturing have been given due emphasis, and the textile, garment and
leather industries show significant development potential with the opportunity to
expand into large-scales.
The key policy goal during the first GTP period was to increase the share of
export in GDP to 22.5 percent by the end of the plan period. However, the share
of export in GDP reached 12.4 percent by the end of 2013/14 so that foreign
exchange earnings from merchandise export covers 23.7%. Thus, improving
production capacity, utilizing the opportunities in the international market &
encouraging the manufacturing sector to engage in the production of
manufactured exports have been the key lessons drawn during GTP
implementation period (National Planning Commission, 2015).
To meet the growing demand and support the on-going development efforts, the
country has initiated economic infrastructure mega projects. Accordingly, a huge
investment has been made on energy (hydro and wind electric power generation,
sub-station, transmission and distribution), transport (road, railway, and air) and
telecommunication projects. In addition, the country has also made a quite
significant investment in basic service delivery such as education and health.
This rapid expansion of basic services has helped Ethiopia in achieving the
MDGs as related to gender parity in primary education, reducing child mortality,
fighting HIV/AIDS, malaria and access to primary education.
The aforementioned trend of growth is expected to remain strong in the coming

years. The country’s macroeconomic plan for the period between 2015/16 and
2O19/20 (The Second Growth and Transformation Plan - GTP II) indicates that
the real GDP is projected to grow at annual average rate of 11 percent. The GDP
of agriculture, industry and service sectors are also planned to increase at annual
average rate of 8, 19.8 and 10.1 percent, respectively.
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The industry sector (manufacturing, construction, mining and electricity) is
expected to increase from 14.6% in 2014/15 to 22.8% by the end of 2019/20. The
manufacturing subsector focusing on light manufacturing is projected to increase
from 4.6% in 2014/15 to 8% while its GDP is projected to grow at an annual
average rate of 23.9% during the same period. It is also targeted to raise the
share of export to GDP to 11.8 % while the share of manufacturing goods export
to GDP is projected to increase to 3.1 % by 2019/20. At the same time, the ratio
of export of goods and non-factor services to GDP is projected to increase to
20.6 percent in 2019/20 from 12.8 percent in 2014/15. Similarly, the ratio of
import of goods and non-factor services to GDP is expected to rise from 29.6
percent to 32.3 percent during the same period. Therefore, the increase in
production, distribution, consumption and disposal of chemicals and chemical
products will be quite significant within the second growth and transformation
period.
1.1.4 Environmental overview
Ethiopia is endowed with various natural resources. The resources are however
affected by continuous malpractices and natural catastrophes. Unattended
human activities increase in the exploitation of natural resources is a major cause
of natural resource depletion. Land degradation is the biggest challenge of the
country. The problem ranges from land degradation, due to deforestation and soil
erosion, to environmental pollution, ensuing from the unwise use of a wide variety
of chemicals for agriculture, domestic purposes or for the manufacturing of
industrial products with steadily growing devastating effects on the environment
and public health.
The impact of soil erosion is considerable particularly in the highlands of the

country. It has led to the loss of nutrient in agricultural farmlands which in turn
become the reason for decreased agricultural outputs and hence to food
insecurity. It is also the major reason to the damage of water bodies like lakes
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through siltation. Ethiopia is not an industrialized country. Despite the limited
numbers of factories in the country, their impact in terms of pollution is enormous.
A great majority of these industries discharge their waste in the form of liquid,
dust particles and smoke, without any treatment into nearby water bodies and
open spaces.
Ethiopia's is rich in biodiversity. However, it has been affected by a number of

factors such as the introduction of invasive alien species, settlement and
investment activities that do not take into account environmental concerns,
inappropriate use of natural resources, the continuous increase in the amount of
toxic waste and other pollutants, low awareness level of the public regarding the
value of biodiversity, high degradation of forests, vegetation cover and water &
soil resources, the impact of widespread poverty in the country and the recurring
drought and desertification.
Ethiopia is also often known for its vast water resources that could be applicable
for various economic and social purposes. However, the resource is not presently
being used to the desired extent. Furthermore, the water resources and the
related aquatic eco-systems are facing a great deal of pressure from siltation,
inappropriate utilization and pollution.
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Chapter II: Mercury Inventory and Identification of Emissions and Resources
2.1 Identified hot-spots of Mercury Contamination (Contaminated Sites)
There are no confirmed hot-spots of mercury contamination in Ethiopia. There

has been no intentional use of mercury in the country to produce mercury-added-
products, nor any other industrial uses of mercury. This reduces the probability of
finding mercury-contaminated sites.
Ethiopia is, according to the available information, unique as a country with

ASGM activities, but with no current use of mercury for extraction of gold. This is
considered as a well-established fact due to the special conditions pre-vailing for
the gold trade in the country; se the section on gold production for more details.
Mercury amalgamation was observed about 10 years ago in one site, but since
then, the activities on the site was observed to be shut down. The extend of any
mercury contamination on this site has not been investigated in detail. Thus,
further attempts should be made to assess mercury contamination, if any, with
the help of the universities and scientific research facilitates.
2.2 Data and inventory on Extraction and Use of Fuels/Energy
In this source category, data analysis has shown that Ethiopia releases mercury
from Mineral Oils use and Biomass fired power and heat production. These two
are discussed in detail below. In Ethiopia there are no activities related to the
coke production or wash. The country only imports coals for combustion mainly in
the cement industry as source of energy in calcinations process.
Based on the secondary data from the “Energy balance and Statistics for years
2013/14 report” by the Ministry of Water and Energy a total of 291,388 tons of
coal has been imported in the year 2014. Concerning which types of the coal
was imported, data was collected from the Ethiopian Petroleum Supply
23
Enterprises and National Oil Company (NOC). Both companies revealed that the
hard coal (anthrasite and bituminous) were the types coal introduced into the
country. There was no a specific data on the mercury contents of the coal
imported in to Ethiopia.
2.2.2 Mineral Oils Extraction, Refining and Use
According to the toolkit this sub category sources includes extraction, refining
and According to the toolkit this sub category sources includes extraction,
refining and use of mineral oils or petroleum oil. This includes the combustion of
oil to provide power, heat and transportation and other uses of oil. Ethiopia is a
non-oil producing country and in the country there is no oil refining facility. Thus
research considerations where made specifically on the sub category of Use of
these mineral oils. The use of these mineral oils relates to heavy oil and
petroleum coke and also gasoline, diesel, light fuel oil, kerosene, LPG and other
light mineral oils.
The table below shows the five year averages and total importation of individual
minerals oils in tones.
Year LPG Gasoline Jet fuel + Diesel/ Light fuel Heavy fuel petroleum
Kerosene gasoil oil oil coke
2009/10 7650 155,760 529,786 1,237,078 10,700 100,870 16,711
2010/11 8400 143,879 548,765 1,182,725 35,760 95,627 102,859
2011/12 134,761.19 535,304.32 1,206,215.70 36,492.03 107,963.90 208,298

2012/2013 5445.3 193,032 613,743 1,322,548 37,422 122,875 62,253
2013/2014 7231.1 211,598 700,744 1,558,342 37,128 144,995 143,662.72
Total 28726.4 839,030.19 2,928,342.323 8,065,250.7 194,630.0 572,330.9 533,783.7
Average 7181.6 167806.04 585668.4646 1613050.14 38926.006 114466.18 106756.744
Table 2: Energy Balance Report 2013/14
Source: the data was compiled from the energy balance report of Ethiopia 2013/14Note:
The years are in Ethiopian physical year (from July 08 2009 to July 07 2010)
24
From the above data we can conclude that the importation and consumption of
mineral oils in general has show a steady increasing trend. Use of heavy oil and
petroleum coke is only in oil combustion facilities in Ethiopia. Interview with the
sole importer of these heavy oil and petroleum coke implied that nationally the
use amounts to 262,603 Oil tone per year used for oil combustion facilities.
This number has been checked and verified with Ethiopian Energy Balance
Report and thus served as an input for the inventory. To estimate the mercury
from the combustion of heavy oil and petroleum coke the total tones consumption
of 2013/14 was taken by adding the individual consumption (heavy oil and
petroleum coke) as shown in table below. There was no data on the actual
mercury content of the heavy oil and petroleum coke imported into the country
the UNPE’s default factor has been considered to calculate the total mercury
release from the two sources. The table below shows the 2014 individual minerals
oils consumption in tones.
Items LPG Gasolin Jet Diesel/ Light Heavy petroleu Kerosene

e fuel gasoil fuel oil fuel m coke
oil
Individual 0 207,819 411,5 151469 37,319 118,9 143,663 256,739
Consumption 93 3 40
Transportation and other 2,171,424
uses other than
combustion
Use of heavy oil and
petroleum coke: Other oil
combustion facilities 262,603
Residential heating with 256,739
no controls
Table 3: Mineral Oil Consumption in Tons
The demand for diesel, gasoil, petroleum, kerosene is high in Ethiopia, as they
are used majorly for the transport sector, energy generation, fuelling, cooking etc.
The Ethiopian Energy Balance report states that the use in the transportation
sector and other uses other that combustion has been 2,171, 424 Oil ton/y in
2013/14. (Energy Balance Report, 2014). This was also being calculated by
25
summing the individual consumption of minerals oil that include LPG, Gasoline,
Jet fuel, diesel and light fuel. There was no a specific data on the mercury
contents of the minerals oils in to Ethiopia, the recommended default factors from
the toolkit were used to estimate the mercury release from the mineral
consumption. This data has been verified by the Ethiopian Petroleum Supply
Enterprise (EPSE) which is the sole government body tasked with the import of
fuel. Petroleum distribution companies buy the fuel from EPSE at the port of
Djibouti, transports it to Ethiopia and distributes to all parts of the country. The
data for residential heating has also been extracted from the energy balance
report. The use of Mineral oils for residential heating amounted to 256,739 Oil t/y.
In Ethiopia such usage is used at a household level for cooking, light generation
and warming houses. In this case the data obtained from the energy report and
interview of the Ethiopian petroleum supply enterprise indicate that the total
kerosene imported in 2013/14 was consumed by households. Therefore, an
assumption has been taken that all consumed kerosene for the purpose of
lighting in rural area, for cooking and residential heating. In Ethiopia gasoline is
blend with ethanol at a percentage 10 ethanol with 90 percent gasoline. For
example, in the 2013/2014 Ethiopian fiscal year 7,650 683 litres of ethanol was
produced from sugar molasses and blend with ethanol (Ethiopian energy balance
report 2013/14). However, there was no a consideration of this ethanol blending
to include in this mineral oil combustion.
Mineral Oil Use, Refining and

Sum of releases to
Extraction (Use of Gasoline
Product Dispos pathway from
Diesels, Light Fuel, Oil Kerosene, Unit Use
ion al assessed part of
LPG and Other Light to Medium
life-cycle
Distillation)
2171
Activity rate Ton/Year - - -
424
Input factor for phase Mg Hg/t - 2 - -
Calculated input to phase Kg Hg/y - 4 - 4
Output distribution factors for
phase:
- Air - 1 - 1
26
Sum of releases to
Extraction (Use of Gasoline
Diesels, Light Fuel, Oil Kerosene, Unit Use
LPG and Other Light to Medium
life-cycle
Distillation)
- Water - - - -
- Land - - - -
- Products - - - -
- General waste treatment - - - -
- Sector specific waste treatment - - - -
Calculated outputs/releases to:
- Air Kg Hg/y - 4 - 4
- Water - - - -
- Land - - - -
- Products - - -
- General waste treatment - - -
- Sector specific waste treatment - - -
Sum of releases to
Extraction (Other Oil Unit Use
Combustion Facilities)
life-cycle
25865
Activity rate Ton/Year - - -
8
Input factor for phase Mg Hg/t - 2 - -
phase:
- Air - 1 - 1
- Water - - - -
- Land - - - -
- Products - - - -
- Air Kg Hg/y - 1 - 1
- Water - - - -
- Land - - - -
- Products - - -
- Sector specific waste treatment - - -
27
2.2.3 Biomass Fired Power and Heat Production
Ethiopia’s energy sector is highly dependent on biomass (firewood, charcoal,

crop residues and animal dung). The bulk of national energy consumption is met
from biomass sources. As Ethiopia has not yet realized full electrification in the
country, the rural area highly depends on Biomass for household use including
cooking and lighting.
The Ethiopia biomass strategy of 2013 estimated that biomass energy accounted
for 89 percent of the total national energy consumption in 2010.76,571,997tons
of biomass is consumed for energy purpose with about 81% of the estimated 16
million households using fire wood and 11.5% of them cooking with leaves and
dung cakes. (Ethiopia Biomass Strategy, 2013). Thus the data used for
calculating the mercury release of biomass was gathered from the Ethiopian
biomass strategy of 2013.
Ethiopia is still heavily dependent on charcoal for domestic energy consumption,

especially for cooking. The Ethiopia biomass strategy of 2013 shows that
28,600,468 ton/y of charcoal has been produced in Ethiopia. This data was used
for calculating the mercury release from charcoal.
Sum of releases
Biomass Fired Power and Heat Product Dispos to pathway from
Unit Use
Production ion al assessed part of
life-cycle
Ton/ 76571
Activity rate - = -
Year 997
G
Input factor for phase - 0/03 - -
Hg/t
Kg
Calculated input to phase - 2297 - 2297
Hg/y
Output distribution factors for phase:
- Air - 1 - 1
- Water - - - -
- Land - - - -
- Products - - - -
28
Sum of releases
Biomass Fired Power and Heat Product Dispos to pathway from
Unit Use
Production ion al assessed part of
life-cycle
Kg
Hg/y
- Air - 2297 - 2297
- Water - - - -
- Land - - - -
- Products - - - -
Sum of releases
Product Dispos to pathway from
Charcoal Combustion Unit Use
life-cycle
28600
Activity rate Ton/Year - = -
468
Input factor for phase G Hg/t - 0.12 - -
phase:
- Air - 1 - 1
- Water - - - -
- Land - - - -
- Products - - - -
Calculated outputs/releases to: Kg Hg/y
- Air - 3432 - 3432
- Water - - - -
- Land - - - -
- Products - - - -
29
2.3 Data and inventory on Primary (Virgin) Metal Production
2.3.1 Gold (and Siver) Extraction with Mercury Amalgamation Processes
Existing national data and information for and beyond 2014 implicate that the
Gold and silver extraction is done via traditional method free from mercury use. In
Ethiopia, the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Natural Gas is one of the Federal
Ministries which is given the responsibility of the proper development of mining,
petroleum and natural gas resources. The role of the Ministry is mainly to
generate the basic geosciences data of the country and to promote the mineral,
petroleum and natural gas potentials of the country. Artisanal and Small Scale
Gold Mining are licenced by the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Natural Gas.
The registering and monitoring Artisanal and small scale Gold Mining is part of
the mandate of the Ministry.
For the registered Small scale and Artisan mining associations, gold extraction is
source of basic income as they are engaged on a regular basis. The associations
of miners are registered by the Ministry thus all miners in all parts of Ethiopia are
known by the government. In Ethiopia over 1,000,000 million people are engaged
in ASM. 5,000,000-7,000,000 people are indirectly depending on ASM for their
livelihood, out of which women are estimated about 30%who are the most
disadvantaged.
Artisanal miners are engaged in mining /Gold, clay, Gemstone, tantalum& salt/ in
different regions, such as Oromia, Amhara, Southern Nations & nationalities,
Tigray, Afar and Benshangul Gumuz. Artisanal and Small Scale Gold miners are
organized as cooperatives pursuant to the proclamation No 147/91. Based on
this proclamation, artisanal miners organized in to cooperatives and administer
themselves by their own work planning programs. The minimum Number of the
members of the cooperatives is 10. The cooperative expansion agency of
Ethiopia will issue a cooperative certificate for those organized by it. After the
30
establishment of the cooperatives, they can request the mining license from
regional mining agency, and issued according to the law.
After mining, the cooperatives sell the Gold product to the National Bank of
Ethiopia. The only Gold purchaser in the country is the National Bank of Ethiopia
mandated by the government. Artisanal Miners are free from taxes. According to
the mining law, any cooperative that have an Artisanal mining license has to pay
8% Royalty to the regional mining agency. The cooperatives can lend money
from micro finance institutions.
The mining methods are still primitive due to different circumstance. The major
reason miners state for such inclination towards traditional method is the long line
of trust built over time to such methods as the most effective way of gold
extraction. The untrustworthiness of the methods introduced by State and Non
State Actors including NGOs in the past has also been an issue raised. Some
miners think that new methods could risk the possibility of mining gold.
Assessing the use of mercury in Ethiopia in the Artisanal and Small Scale Mining
was difficult. Thus, estimation had to be made based on available facts and
assumptions. The inventory team undertook site visits to major ASGM sites in
Ethiopia, namely Shakiso Wolabo Gold Mining site, Dolovia gold mining site and
Adola Megado Gold Mining site. The inventory team did not find any use of
mercury in the gold extraction method. Interviewed miners engaged in different
production and processing phase stated that the manual outdated method of
Gold mining is applied in the sites and called for better technology to to minimize
the excess effort exerted.
This can not create a presumption of mercury free ASGM Gold mining but the
inventory team assumes that miners would value the mercury items than the
possible gold extracted using mercury. This assumption bases on a traditional
myth in Ethiopia that mercury is a very precious element that would create a
fortune to its owner. Thus the feedback of miners in response to our questions
31
about mercury imply that they would not use the mercury to get gold. The
inventory team, taking note of possible misleading communication by the miners
from the survey, concluded that mercury is not used in ASGM mining. But the
inventory team also noted the need for further investigation and scientific
assessment to have a concrete data in this area.
2.3.2 Gold Extraction and Initial Processing by Methods other than Mercury
Amalgamation
In the country currently, there is only one large company gold mining “MIDROC
Legedembi Gold Mine” (a subsidiary of Midroc group) produced and exported
30% of the total gold in 2014. (References). Therefore, the sources of mercury
release from this sub category only from this large scale gold mining company
that operates an open pit mining in western the country. The amount of gold
produced using cyanide by the private company was collected and the
recommended conversion unit in the toolkit was used to calculate the total
amount of the ore extracted to produce a tone of gold for the estimation of
mercury release from this source. (i.e. 1,125,000 tones of ore are used to yield a
tone of gold). Since there is no concrete data on the mercury content of the ore
extracted for the gold production in the country, the recommended mercury input
factor in the toolkit has been used to estimate the mercury release.
Sum of releases
Gold Extraction and initial
Processing by Methods other Unit Use
than Mercury Amalgamation
life-cycle
Activity rate Ton/Y 1250000 - - -
Input factor for phase GHg/t 15 - - -
Calculated input to phase Kg Hg/y 18750 - - 18750
phase:
- Air 0.04 - - 0.04
- Water 0.02 - - 0.02
- Land 0.9 - - 0.9
- Products 0.04 - - 0.04
32
Sum of releases
Gold Extraction and initial
Processing by Methods other Unit Use
than Mercury Amalgamation
life-cycle
Calculated outputs/releases to: - - -
- Air Kg Hg/y 750 - - 750
- Water Kg Hg/y 375 - - 375
- Land Kg Hg/y 16875 - - 16875
- Products Kg Hg/y 750 - - 750
- Sector specific waste treatment -
2.4 Data and inventory on intentional Use of Mercury in Industrial Processes
In Ethiopia there is no domestic production of chemicals, which involves

the use of a Mercury catalyst or Mercury cells. Even though Ethiopia
produces caustic soda its by using an old method that doesn’t involve
mercury as a catalyst.
2.5 Data and inventory on Production of Other Minerals and Materials with
Mercury Impurities
2.5.1 Cement Production Without Co-Incineration of Wastes
In Ethiopia cement production and consumption has been showing an increasing

trend. At the time of the inventory, the country has more than 16 cement plants.
The following data shows 11 years of Cement production, import and
consumption amount in the country, as they were reported by Ethiopia cement
industry Development strategy (2015). We assume there was no export.
The Ethiopian cement industry development strategy of 2015 revealed that 5.47
million tonnes of cement was produced in 2014. It also indicates that cement
was neither exported nor imported at that year. The activity data 5.47 million
tonne was used to calculate the mercury release from the cement industry.
Based on the interview data obtained from Cement Industry Development
33
directorate under Chemical and Construction Inputs Industry Development
Institute (2016), all cement industry produces Cement without co-incineration of
wastes. A questionnaire was also developed and sent to all industries to collect
data on the amount cement produced in each facility and the type of the
technology they used to reduce pollution. From the collected questionnaires (3
replied out of the 16 companies asked), we got the same result given by cement
industry development directorate.
Regarding mercury inputs from fuels, please see the section on "Other coal use",
as the primary coal use in the country is for cement production. There was a
difficult because many cement industries were not willing to provide information
about the type of technologies they used to reduce pollution.
As mentioned above the annual cement produce in the country in 2014 was 5.47
Mt with zero net import and export. To estimate the mercury, release the
recommended UNEP’s input factor was used. So total mercury release was
calculated by multiplying input factor by annual produced cement. Additionally,
the output distribution was also estimated based on the data obtained from the
cement industry development directorate that all cement industry is equipped
with a minimum of simple particle control technologies and no cement company
uses dust recycling technologies so far.
Sum of releases
Cement Production with Co Product Dispos to pathway from
Unit Use
Incineration of Waste ion al assessed part of
life-cycle
Activity rate Ton/ year 5470000 - - -
Input factor for phase g Hg/t - 0.11 -
Calculated input to phase Kg Hg/y 602 - - 602
phase:
- Air 0.6 - -
- Water - - - -
- Land - - - -
- Products 0.2 - - -
34
Sum of releases
Cement Production with Co Product Dispos to pathway from
Unit Use
Incineration of Waste ion al assessed part of
life-cycle
- Sector specific waste treatment 0.2 - - -
Calculated outputs/releases to: - -
- Air Kg Hg/y 361.2 5 - 361.2
- Water Kg Hg/y - - - -
- Land Kg Hg/y - - - -
- Products Kg Hg/y 120.4 - - 120.4
- General waste treatment Kg Hg/y - - -
- Sector specific waste treatment Kg Hg/y 120.4 - - 120.4
2.6 Data and inventory on Consumer Products with Intentional Use of Mercury
There are no activities related to the intentional use of mercury in industrial

processes in Ethiopia. There are eight sub categories addressed in the UNEP
Toolkit regarding consumer products with intentional use of mercury including
thermometers with mercury, electrical and electronic switches, contacts and
relays with mercury, light sources with mercury, batteries containing mercury,
biocides and pesticides, paints, pharmaceuticals for human and veterinary uses
and cosmetics and related products.
So far, there is no concrete evidence of the mercury being used in the above
described products in Ethiopia except medical thermometers (use identified via
interviews with hospitals doctors), some batteries and some light sources.
According to the Toolkit, mercury thermometers can also be being used for
ambient air temperature measurement, in chemical laboratory, and in industrial
equipment, but these latter uses have not been identified in Ethiopia (but they
may be present).
General purpose batteries are being use to power electrical device, i.e. radio and
source light for hand batteries throughout the country, and according to the
Toolkit, regional brands may still contain mercury, whereas global brands of
35
these battery shapes are generally mercury-free today. According to the Toolkit,
mercury is primarily used in button cell batteries today,
Beside information on thermometers, battery containing mercury and light

sources with mercury there is no any information related to the quantity of other
consumer products i.e. electrical and electronic switches, biocides and pesticides,
pharmaceuticals for human and veterinary uses, and cosmetic and related
products being imported to in Ethiopia. Considering the sub-categories on
consumer products that may release mercury, the survey team undertook
different method to calculate the emissions and releases, and the findings are
described below.
2.6.2 Thermometers with Mercury
In Ethiopia, Medical thermometer is well known by most people, except its risk to
human health, when containing mercury. Such thermometers are generally used
at all hospitals, clinics and Schools. Unfortunately, the total numbers of medical
thermometers that have been disposed annually in Ethiopia so far remain
unknown. But from the data obtained from UN trade com and Ethiopian Customs
Authorities data base the import and export of thermometers is summarized in
the below table.
Import Export Consumption Trade Unit

Period Reporter Partner Kg/y Kg/y Kg/y Quantity conversion
2011 Ethiopia World 9,952 174 9,778 N/A
2012 Ethiopia World 9,534 10 9,524 17,995
24,686 6171375
Table 4: Import and Export of thermometers
The table above the data shows a drastic increment from the level of around
9000 Kg/y in 2011-2013 to around 24000 Kg/y in 2014-2015. The inventory team
assumes that the quite different levels may be caused by changes in trade import
36
registration practices, and as a conservative estimate, the average consumption
of 2014 and 2015 - 24686 Kg/y - is used for the mercury estimations. The Toolkit
unit is items/y and we therefore converted the weight to items using the Toolkit
conversion factor (assuming that they are all mercury-filled thermometers, see
below). The resulting estimate for consumption of thermometers is thus 6171375
thermometers/y in the country; this number is used as a rough estimate for the
calculation of mercury emissions/releases from use and disposal.
Based on the assessment on five hospitals there are three types of thermometers
used there: the mercury in glass, the alcohol in glass and the digital one, and the
most widely used is the mercury containing one. Unfortunately, the exact net-
import of mercury-containing thermometers is not known. According to data from
the Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority, the origin of imported liquid in
glass (mercury and alcohol-filled) thermometers is EU countries, Japan, China,
USA, India, among others. It is hard to say if all thermometers imported are
mercury-based, however, for future sound management of mercury we have
assumed that the supplied thermometers are mercury-based.
Mercury input factors for this section is varying from one field to another i.e.
medical thermometers, household thermometers, ambient air temperature
thermometers, industrial and special application thermometers, laboratory
thermometers, and thermometers for testing petroleum products. Nevertheless,
for Ethiopia case, only medical thermometers are commonly used by medical
practitioners and could be the most well known one. The extent of the use of
mercury thermometers in other sectors is unknown.
In this regards and based on thermometer’s information available, the mercury

input factors provided by the UNEP Toolkit range from a minimum of 0.25 g to a
maximum of 2 g per thermometer, depending on the specific product and
perhaps the country or region in question. For calculation mercury release by this
sector, the UNEP Toolkit, provide preliminary default mercury input factors for
37
medical thermometer ranged from 0.5 g to 1.5 g per thermometer. In this regards,
the average input factor (1 g per thermometer) has been selected for calculation
the release of mercury in Ethiopia.
According to information from the hospital interviews made, the lifetime for
mercury thermometers is only in the range of a few months. The contacted
hospitals were also asked about the fate of used thermometers, but no answers
were obtained on this issue. Through other studies of hospital waste and a field
visit to one hospital, it is known however that spent thermometers would
generally be disposed with other hospital waste, that is, buried on-site, burned
on-site or perhaps in some case be disposed with general waste to landfills.
According to information from the field visit, mercury from broken thermometers
spilled on the floor would simply be washed out with water. This water likely ends
up in the sewer system or on the ground on-site, depending on local settings.
Accordingly, the Toolkit's default output distribution factors for the output scenario
"No separate collection Informal waste handle widespread" was used.
Sum of releases
Thermometers Unit Use
life-cycle
617137
Activity rate kg - - 6171375
5
Input factor for phase g Hg/I - - 1 1
Calculated input to phase Kg Hg/y - - 6171 6171
phase:
- Air - - - 0.2
- Water - - - 0.3
- Land - - - 0.2
- Products - - - 0.00
- General waste treatment - - - 0.3
- Sector specific waste treatment - - - 0.00
Calculated outputs/releases to: Kg/y
- Air - - 1234.28 1234.28
- Water - - 1851.41 1851.41
- Land - - 1234.28 1234.28
38
Sum of releases
Thermometers Unit Use
life-cycle
- Products - - 0.00 0.00
- General waste treatment - - 1851.11 1851.11
- Sector specific waste treatment - - 0.00 0.00
2.6.4 Electrical Switches and Relays
Mercury is a component in many electrical switches such as

displacement/plunger relays and tilt switches. Small electrical switches may
contain 3.5 g of mercury, while larger industrial switches may contain as much as
3.5 kg of mercury (Wisconsin Mercury Sourcebook, 1997). Mercury-containing
switches are found in some cars in tilt switches for the boot light (although boot
switches may also be mechanical). Each switch contains approximately 0.8 g of
mercury (Ecology Centre Great Lakes United University of Tennessee, 2001).
Such switches account for more than 99% of the mercury used in automobiles in
the United States (Ecology Centre Great Lakes United University of Tennessee,
2001). It is not known how common such switches are in the Ethiopia vehicle
fleet.
Due to absence of data in this regard the inventory team decided to use the
option of using national electrification rate and number of the habitats for
emission estimation. The World Bank reported the electrification rate of the
country is about 26.6%. Nevertheless, the inventory team decided to use
electrification rate of 41% from the report already communicated in the level one
inventories. So due to these factors uncertainty may arise.
The toolkit provides 0.02-0.25 g Hg y* inhabitant Default input factor and 0.14
input factor for the calculation of emission from Electrical switches and relays
with mercury. Based on the local practise of waste management “no separate
collection informal waste handle widespread” scenario is selected and the output
distribution factor is0.3 for air, 0.4 for land and 0.3 for general waste.
39
Sum of releases
Produ Dispos to pathway from
Electrical Switches and Relays Unit Use
ction al assessed part of
life-cycle
Activity rate Inh* - 90076012 -
% -
Input factor for phase 41 -
Inh*E
Kg -
Calculated input to phase 5170 -
Hg/y
phase:
- Air - - - - 0.3
- Water - - - - 0.00
- Land - - - - 0.4
- Products - - - - 0.00
- General waste treatment - - - - 0.3
- Sector specific waste treatment - - - - 0.00
- Air - - 1551.11 -
- Water - - 0.00 -
- Land - - 2068.15 -
- Products - - 0.00 -
- General waste treatment - - 1551.11 -
- Sector specific waste treatment - - 0.00 -
2.6.5 Light Source with Mercury
Mercury is used in small amounts per lamp in a number of different types of

discharge lamps, with fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
as the most common examples (COWI, 2002). Approximately 95% of the
mercury-containing lamps used in the USA are linear fluorescent light tubes
(NESCAUM, 1998). The remainders are compact fluorescents or specialty lamps
(such as metal halide, mercury vapour, high-pressure sodium, and neon lamps)
which are produced for commercial or municipal use, such as street lighting (NJ
MTF, 2002).
Significant progress has been made by some producers to reduce the amount of
mercury per lamp, with reductions of about a factor 10 achieved in newer
mercury-lamps as compared to traditional types. Lamp types with high mercury
40
content are, however, still reported to be on the market, and may be sold in large
quantities as they are generally cheaper than low-mercury lamps. Non-mercury
alternatives for these lamps, with similar energy saving qualities, are not yet
available on the market; however, they are under development (COWI, 2002).
Other light sources reported to contain mercury include: special lamps for
photographic purposes, chemical analyses (atomic absorption spectrometry
lamps), ultraviolet sterilization, and back lights for flat-screens for computers (and
likely for televisions).
Ethiopia lacks proper management of hazardous and solid waste materials which
makes it difficult to accurately estimate mercury releases from the light sources.
Light bulbs are commonly disposed with household wastes with no special
sorting method. Unfortunately, the total numbers of Light sources with mercury
that have been disposed annually in Ethiopia so far remain unknown but from the
data obtained from UN trade com and Ethiopian Customs Authorities data base
the import and re export of light source summarized below.
a) Fluorescent tubes (double end)
Period Trade Quantity Export items/y Consumption Item Average

2011 4,141,560 347 4,141,213
2012 888,232 33,958 854,274
2013 3,812,423 12,047 3,800,376 2,931,954
2014 1,496,208 1 1,496,207
2015 2,332,262 2,963 2,329,299 1,912,753
41
b) Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL single end)
Period Imported Item quantity Exported Item quantity consumption Average

2011 78,852 78,852
2012 146,188 146,188
2013 462,915 462,915 229,318
2014 707,340 17,239 690,101
2015 1,586,033 16,156 1,569,877
c) High pressure mercury vapor
Trade Export net Consumption net

Period Net Weight (kg) Quantity w weight average
2011 20,859 10,654 20,859
2012 53,753 25,611 4 53,749
2013 52,180 36,350 221 51,959 42,189
2014 51,092 45,758 51,092
2015 137,060 103,744 137,060
d) UV light for tanning
Import Net Weight

Period (kg) Export net w Consumption net weight average
2011 1,018 5 1,013
2012 13,310 38 13,272
2013 13,923 13,923 9,403
2014 85,084 85,084
2015 99,586 13 99,573
42
Sum of releases
Light Source with Mercury Unit Use
life-cycle
803424
Activity rate Items/y - - -
1
mg
Input factor for phase - - 10-30 -
Hg/item
Calculated input to phase Kg Hg/y - - 133 -
phase:
- Air - - 0.3 -
- Water - - 0.00 -
- Land - - 0.3 -
- Products - - 0.00 -
Calculated outputs/releases to: 2029.00
- Air - - - - 0.00
- Water - - - - 0.00
- Land - - - - 2029.00
- Products - - - - 0.00
2.6.6 Batteries with Mercury
There are several different types of batteries that contain mercury. These include
‘button cells’ of silver oxide, zinc air and mercury oxide composition, in addition to
some alkaline, and zinc carbon batteries. Silver oxide batteries are used in
devices such as watches and calculators, zinc air and mercury oxide batteries
are used in hearing aids, alkaline batteries are for general purposes, and zinc
carbon batteries are commonly used in smoke alarms and clocks (Gresham,
Brickner and Bratton, Inc., 1992 as cited in Draft Wisconsin Mercury Sourcebook,
1997). In Ethiopia also there are many type of batteries is consumed for various
purpose.
43
Primary cells & primary batteries, air-zinc
Export Net Consumption Net

Period Partner Net Weight (kg) Weight Weight Average
2011 World 244 244
2012 World 557 557
2013 World 835 10 825
2014 World 177,082 177,082
2015 World 180,240 180,240 178,661
According to the data from Ethiopian Custom and Revenue Authority and UN
Data base 358,948 Kg of net Primary cells & primary batteries, air-zinc is
consumed in the last five years. From the table above the net consumption of
primary cells and primary batteries, air – zinc batteries rise from 0.24 tons 2011
to 179 tons in 2015. Even though the data are difficult to interpret but as a
conservative measure we take average of the last two years.
For zinc air button cells which are normally used in smaller quantities compared
to Alkaline, other than bottom cell shapes batteries the Toolkit's input factors (0-
12 Kg Hg/ton battery) are used in the calculations. Based on local practice, the
out of used batteries have been disposed of with general waste without
separation practice, for all urban areas. For people who living in country side, the
used batteries are disposed of right away at their back yards, whether burred or
burned with general waste, according to assessment report on twenty-four city
and report from Urban development and Housing Ministry. Accordingly, the
Toolkit's default output distribution factors for the scenario "No or very limited
separate batteries collection. Missing or informal collection and handling of
general waste is widespread" were applied in the calculations, in which, the
output distribution factor for this sector is 0.25 for air, 0.25 for land, and 0.5 for
general waste. So the estimated possible release of mercury and its distribution
pathways for Primary cells & primary batteries, air-zinc is shown in the below
table.
44
A. Alkaline, other than button cell shapes
Import Net Export Net Consumption

Period Trade flow Partner Weight weight Net Weight Average
2011 Ethiopia World 16,267,807 23,881 16,243,926
2012 Ethiopia World 15,435,629 3,326 15,432,303
2013 Ethiopia World 21,726,067 37,402 21,688,665
2014 Ethiopia World 28,086,119 176,756 27,909,363
2015 Ethiopia World 22,109,082 96,641 22,012,441 23,870,156
From the table above the net consumption of Alkaline, other than button cell
shapes batteries rise from 16,243,926 Kg 2011 to 22,012,441 tons in 2015.
Because the batteries are short life time batteries and as conservative measure
the average 23,870,156 Kg is used in calculation.
For general Alkaline, other than button cell shapes batteries which are normally
used in large quantities compared to other battery types. The Toolkit's input
factors for alkaline batteries (0-0.25 Kg Hg/ton battery) are used in the
calculations. The resulting mercury input estimates are associated with a
substantial uncertainty, but do however serve to indicate an order of magnitude
of the mercury input to Ethiopia with batteries.
Based on local practice, the out of used batteries have been disposed of with
general waste without separation practice, for all urban areas. For people who
living in country side, the used batteries are disposed of right away at their back
yards, whether burred or burned with general waste, according to assessment
report on twenty-four city and report from Urban development and Housing
Ministry. Because no output destruction factor is given in the spreadsheet the
calculation for Alkaline, other than button cell shapes batteries the calculation is
omitted.
45
Sum of releases
Batteries with Mercury Unit Use
life-cycle
Activity rate t/y 24049 -
Input factor for phase Kg Hg/t 0.25-12 -
Calculated input to phase Kg Hg/y 8116 -
phase:
- Air - - - 0.25 -
- Water - - - 0.00 -
- Land - - - 0.25 -
- Products - - - 0.00 -
- General waste treatment - - - 0.5 -
- Sector specific waste treatment - - - 0.00 -
- Air - - - 2029.00 2029.00
- Water - - - 0.00 0.00
- Land - - - 2029.00 2029.00
- Products - - - 0.00 0.00
- General waste treatment - - - 4058.00 4058.00
- Sector specific waste treatment - - - 0.00 0.00
2.6.7 Polyurethane with Mercury Catalysts
Polyurethane is a synthetic material that is used in various applications in nearly

every field imaginable. It is renowned for its durability and flexibility and can be
produced in a number of different forms based on what it will be used for.
Everything from airplane wings to tires can be made with polyurethane. In
Ethiopian case the production, the level of mercury content and amount in used
are not well known.
According to trade com and Ethiopian custom and revenue authority data base
3039564 Kg of fabrics covered with Polyurethane and cellular Polyurethane is
consumed from 2011 until 2015. With the absence of clear boundaries with those
having mercury and those who do not the inventory team uses conservative
approach and utilize the population number for the calculation and because of
this uncertainty may happen.
46
The toolkit provides the input factor for Polyurethane with mercury catalysts use
and disposal reneging from 0-0.03 g/Hg (y*inhabitant) for the calculation. The
resulting mercury input estimates are associated with a substantial uncertainty,
but do however serve to indicate an order of magnitude of the mercury input to
Ethiopia with Polyurethane with mercury catalysts
Based on local practice, the out of used shoe soles, conveyer belts, and others
disposed of with general waste without separation practice, for all urban and rural
areas the end of its life is whether burred or burned with general waste “No
separate collection. Informal waste handle is Widespread” factor is chosen for the
calculation and the output distribution factor for this sector is 0.2 for air, 0.1 for
water 0.4 for land and 0.3 for general waste. So the estimated possible release
of mercury and its distribution pathways for Polyurethane with mercury catalysts
is shown in the below.
Sum of releases
Polyurethane with Mercury Product Dispos to pathway from
Unit Use
Catalysts ion al assessed part of
life-cycle
900760
Activity rate Inh - - 90076012
12
G Hg
Input factor for phase - - - -
(y*in
Calculated input to phase Kg Hg/y - - 1107.9 1107.9
phase:
- Air - - - 0.2 -
- Water - - - 0.1 -
- Land - - - 0.4 -
- Products - - - 0.00 -
- General waste treatment - - - 0.3 -
- Sector specific waste treatment - - - 0.00 -
- Air - - - 221.59 221.59
- Water - - - 110.79 110.79
- Land - - - 443.17 443.17
- Products - - - 0.00 0.00
47
2.6.8 Paint with Mercury
Phenyl mercuric acetate (PMA) and similar mercury compounds were formerly
widely added as biocide to water based paints and may still be used in some
countries. These compounds were used to extend shelf-life by controlling
bacterial fermentation in the can (in-can preservatives) and to retard fungus
attacks upon painted surfaces under damp conditions (fungicides). According to
the Chemical and Construction Impute Development Institute report the paint
manufacture the content of mercury they manufactured in the country is not yet
known.
2.6.9 Cosmetics and Related Products with Mercury
Mercury has been used in skin lightening creams, soaps, and as preservatives in
some eye cosmetics. Based on the information compiled on ten cosmetics shops
found in Addis Ababa the utilization of skin lighting cream, mascara is very low
and The most commonly used products were body creams and lotions (68%),
shampoos and conditioners (35%), and deodorants and perfumes (29%). Being
single, female, and in the age group of 18–20 years increased the odds of
cosmetics utilization. And none of this cosmetics product mentioned having
mercury furthermore the production and utilization of skin lightening creams,
soaps and preservatives has not registered in the country and the trained is very
minimal.
Mercury releases may occur during production, use and disposal of these
products (UNEP, 2002 and COWI, 2002). For conservative approach based on
the minimal information we have gate from Mekelle and Jigjiga University student
research the inventory team estimated 50 tonnes of cosmetics products are
utilized in the year 2014.the possible impact of such products on human health
needs further scientific researches in this area. Different literature studies clearly
implicate the possible negative impact in using this product. But nationally,
research is not well developed.
48
The toolkit provides (0-30 kg Hg/t) input factor for cosmetics and related products
with mercury and The resulting mercury input estimates are associated with a
substantial uncertainty, but do however serve to indicate an order of magnitude
of the mercury input to Ethiopia with cosmetics and related products The output
distribution factor for this sector is 0.95 for water and 0.55 for land. So the
estimated possible release of mercury and its distribution pathways for
Cosmetics and related products with mercury is shown in the below.
Sum of releases
Cosmetics and Related Products with Product Dispos to pathway from
Unit Use
Mercury ion al assessed part of
life-cycle
Activity rate t/y - 50 50
Kg
Input factor for phase - 1500 1500
Hg/t
Kg
Calculated input to phase -
Hg/y
- Air - - 0.00 - -
- Water - - 0.95 - -
- Land - - 0.55 - -
- Products - - 0.00 - -
- General waste treatment - - 0.00 - -
- Sector specific waste treatment - - 0.00 - -
Calculated outputs/releases to: - - - -
- Air - - 0.00 - 0.00
1425.
- Water - - - 1425.00
00
- Land - - 75.00 - 75.00
- Products - - 0.00 - 0.00
- General waste treatment - - 0.00 - 0.00
- Sector specific waste treatment - - 0.00 - 0.00
2.7 Data and inventory on Other Intentional Use/Processes in Use

2.7.1 Dental Mercury Amalgam Fillings
Dental amalgam fillings consist of an alloy of mercury, silver, copper and tin
(typically about 44-51% mercury by weight). The alloy is typically supplied to the
dentists either: 1) as pure mercury along with a powder mix of the other metals,
49
which are weighed and mixed in an agitator in the clinic; or 2) as small capsules
where mercury and the metal powder are present in the right formula and only
need to be mixed (in the capsule before opening) in the clinic, prior to filling the
cavity in the tooth (COWI, 2002). Other variants of the same principles may occur.
Mercury is released to air, water, and wastes during the production, use and
disposal of the amalgam fillings (such as following the removal of fillings or teeth
containing fillings during medical/dental procedures, or through lost teeth). Also,
releases can occur at the end of life of a person with fillings.
The market for sale of Dental amalgam in Ethiopia does not exist adequately thus
practitionaires use amalgam imported in small quantity from foreign countries
without registration by the ERCA. This makes tracking and monitoring of dental
amalgam in the country difficult.
The toolkit provides 0-0.15 g/Hg (Y*inhabitant) input factor for realize estimation.
The output distribution factor for this sector is 0.02 For Air, 0.14 for water, 0.12
for general waste and 0.12 for sector specific treatment/ disposal.
According to the dentist association preparation and fillings of mercury amalgam

is done without basic safety measures and there is no registered data to set the
share of current mercury amalgam fillings so there the emission from this source
is calculated by the population 2014 and according to the Central Statics Agency
the population is 90,076,012.
Sum of
releases to
Dental Mercury Amalgam Produc Dispos
Unit Use pathway from
Fillings tion al
assessed part
of life-cycle
90076
Activity rate Inha. -
012
-
gHg/y*I
Input factor for phase nha
- 0.2 -
3650. 3650.00
Calculated input to phase Kg Hg/y 6083
009 9
-
50
Sum of
releases to
Dental Mercury Amalgam Produc Dispos
Unit Use pathway from
Fillings tion al
assessed part
of life-cycle
Output distribution factors for -
phase:
- Air - - 0.02 - 0.02
- Water - - - 0.02 0.02
- Land - - - - -
- Products - - - 0.06 0.06
Calculated outputs/releases to: -
- 60.83
- Air 5
60.835 121.67
- 973.3 973.34
- Water 4
1946.67
- Land - 146 146 292

- Products - 109.5 109.5 219
- General waste treatment - 511 511 1022
- Sector specific waste treatment - 511 511 1022
2.7.2 Manometers and Gauges with Mercury
According to the report from Ethiopian food medicine and health care
administration Authority there is no production of medical blood pressure gauges
in the country. Mercury is used in some blood pressure gauges, industrial and
meteorological manometers, and pressure valves (UNEP, 2002). Blood pressure
gauges are probably mainly supplied with mercury in the product. For pressure
valves in district heating and educational uses the metallic mercury used is often
supplied separately and not as integrated in the product. Mercury may be
supplemented during the use period for all types mentioned.
The mercury may be disposed of with the apparatus or separately. Non-mercury

alternatives exist for all uses and are gradually substituting for the mercury-using
equivalents in some countries (Maag et al., 1996, as cited in COWI, 2002). It
should be noted that quantification of mercury supplied separately for these uses
51
may be difficult to distinguish from other metallic mercury consumption (COWI,
2002).
And the sub categories comprise medical blood pressure gauges, Manometers
U-shaped manometers for milking systems Manometers and barometers used for
measuring air pressure Barometers Environmental Manometers Pressure valves
in district heating plants Pressure gauges and the number of this manometers
used in the country is not registered and known and because of these the
emission relies estimation is based on the electrification rate and inhabitant in
2014 of the country
The inventory toolkit provides the input factor for other manometers (level
1default for whole group is 0-005 g Hg y* inhabitant is used for the calculation.
Based on local practice, medical waste is disposed of with general waste without
separation practice, for most urban and rural areas so there for “No separate
collection. Informal waste handle is Widespread” factor is chosen for the
water 0.2 for land and 0.3 for general waste. So the estimated possible release
of mercury and its distribution pathways for Manometers and gauges with
mercury is shown in the below table.
Summary of emission release

Sum of releases to
Manometers and Gauge with pathway from
Unit Production Use Disposal
Mercury assessed part of
life-cycle
Activity rate Inha. 90076012 - - -
gHg/y*In
Input factor for phase 0.15 - - -
ha
Calculated input to phase Kg Hg/y 175 -
phase:
- Air - - 0.2 -
- Water - - 0.3 -
52
Sum of releases to
Manometers and Gauge with pathway from
Unit Production Use Disposal
Mercury assessed part of
life-cycle
- Land - - 0.2 -
- Products - - 0.00 -
- Air - - 37.00 37.00
- Water - - 55.5 55.5
- Land - - 37.00 37.00
- Products - - 0.00 0.00
Activity data for Medical blood pressure gauges

The inventory team took a survey on five major Government hospitals found at
Addis Ababa namely Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Minilik Hospital, Gandhi
Memorial Hospital, Balcha Hospital and Paulos millennium hospitals. Based on
the data obtained from these hospitals the inventory team made estimation for
the rest 121 government hospitals and the estimated number of medical blood
pressure gauges which are under utilizations are about 1573 items in 2014.
Based on the local practice, medical waste is disposed of with general waste
without separation practice, for most urban and rural areas so therefore “No
separate collection. Informal waste handle is Widespread” factor is chosen for the
water 0.2 for land and 0.3 for general waste. The inventory toolkit provides the
input factor for Medical blood pressure gauges 80 g Hg/Item is used for the
calculation.
Data gap
The estimated realize from this sub category is highly subjected to uncertainty
because of absence of registered data for the number of blood pressure gauges
53
used but for the better focus of future sound management of the release from this
sub category the summarized data is given below.
Summary of emission release

Sum of releases to
Producti Disposa
Blood pressure gauges Unit Use pathway from assessed
on l
part of life-cycle
Activity rate Items/y - - 1573 -
Input factor for phase g/Hg/Item - - 80 -
Calculated input to phase Kg Hg/y -
phase:
- Air - - 0.2 -
- Water - - 0.3 -
- Land - - 0.2 -
- Products - - 0.00 -
- Air - - 25.2 25.2
- Water - - 37.80 37.80
- Land - - 25.20 25.20
- Products - - 0.00 0.00
2.7.3 Laboratory Chemicals and Equipment with Mercury
The sub categories contain Laboratory chemicals (level 1 default for lab
chemicals) and Other laboratory equipment (level 1 default for group) and the
amount of laboratory chemicals and equipment’s used in the country has no
registration system at all.
a. Laboratory chemicals (level 1 default for lab chemicals)
Mercury is used in laboratories in instruments, reagents, preservatives, and

catalysts. Some of this mercury is released to air, primarily through lab vents.
However, most of the mercury may be released in wastewater or disposed of as
hazardous waste or municipal waste.
54
Because there is no registered data on the consumption and management of
laboratory chemicals in the country the emission of mercury from these sub
categories is also estimated based on the number of population of the countries.
And because of this uncertainty may arise. The toolkit provides 0.01 g Hg/y*
inhabitant for the calculation of the relies from Laboratory chemicals. The
distribution factor for these sub categories is 0.33 for water, general waste and
sector specific treatment /disposal.
Sum of releases to pathway

Laboratory chemicals and Product Dispos
Unit Use from assessed part of life-
Equipment’s with Mercury ion al
cycle
9007601
Activity rate Inha. -
2
Input factor for phase gHg/y*Inha 0.15 -
Calculated input to phase Kg Hg/y 369.3 -
phase:
- Air 0.00 -
- Water 0.33 -
- Land 0.00 -
- Products 0.00 -
- General waste treatment 0.33 -
- Sector specific waste treatment 0.33 -
- Air 0.00
- Water 121.87
- Land 0.00
- Products 0.00
- General waste treatment 121.87
- Sector specific waste treatment 125.57
b. Other Laboratory Equipment
Mercury is used in other laboratory equipment’s. Some of this mercury is

released to air, primarily through production and disposal of the equipment with
general waste.
Because there is no registered data the number of mercury containing equipment

used and discard each year in the country the emission of mercury from these
55
sub categories is estimated based on the number of population of the countries.
And because of this uncertainty may arise.
The toolkit provides 0.04 g Hg/y* inhabitant for the calculation of the relies from
other laboratory equipment’s. The distribution factor for these sub categories is
0.33 for water and general waste and 0.34 for sector specific treatment /disposal.
Sum of releases
to pathway
Other Laboratory Equipment’s Unit Production Use Disposal
from assessed
part of life-cycle
Activity rate Inha. 90076012 - - -
gHg/
Input factor for phase y*In 0.15 - - -
ha
Kg
Calculated input to phase 369.3 - - -
Hg/y
- Air - - 0.00 0.00
- Water - - 0.33 0.33
- Land - - 0.00 0.00
- Products - - 0.00 0.00
- Air - - 0.00 0.00
- Water - - 487.49 487.49
- Land - - 0.00 0.00
- Products - - 0.00 0.00
2.8 Data and inventory on Production of Recycled Metals
There are three types of sub-categories considering in this sector including (1)
production of recycled mercury, (2) production of recycled ferrous metal (iron and
steel) and (3) production of other recycled metals. In Ethiopia a practices, the
secondary metal production is available only for scraped iron, Aluminum and
Copper and there is production of recycled mercury ("secondary production”)
56
2.8.1 Production of Recycled Ferrous Metals (Iron and Steel)
Based on information from the Inventory Report of Unintentionally Produced

POPs in Ethiopia, (inventory report, 2014) and the report from Metals Industry
development institute it is known that recycled iron production undertaken at
small scale handicraft and large industry scale.
The iron scrap recycling/production sources comprise 51 locations and most of

them are located in Oromia regional state and Addis Ababa. According to the
data the amount of iron annually produced is about 643 778 tons. The most
common recycling kiln is a cylinder with a height of 1 meter and diameter of 0.7
meters. It is processed by Coal and Furness oil. The production of iron scrap
recycling is made for other products, especially, spare parts for vehicles and any
metallic machines. The recycling kiln is generally made of iron on the inside and
bricks on the outside and most of them have no temperature controller or air
pollution control system (APCS) applications applied. Under these conditions,
most likely no potentially mercury-containing parts (switches and lights) will
actually enter the melting furnace. To the extent cars with mercury containing
parts (e.g. older cars from the Arabian state Europe) are present in the Ethiopia
society, these parts may be collected for re-sale as spare parts or be lost to scrap
heaps at the car scrappers, or go with general waste to landfills.
2.8.1 Production of Other Recycled Metals
The production of other recycled metals refers to the recycle of secondary

scraped non-ferrous metals including aluminum, copper and lead. The aluminum
recycling is available at 3 locations with the annually rate production of 699 tons.
Same as the iron recycling kiln, the kiln for aluminum recycling is simply made of
iron inside with the outside protected/covered by bricks. The recycling process is
operated by using Furness oil. This oven has no temperature controller or APCS.
The products of recycled aluminum can make many types of domestic objects,
57
for example, pots, plates, bowls, and other souvenir items. (The report from
metals industry development institute, 2014)
As for ferrous metals, no mercury containing parts are expected to be fed to the
furnaces; any parts present would likely be scrapped as waste.
2.9 Data and inventory on Waste Incineration and Burning
Waste incineration refer to any waste that going to burned down at incinerators
regardless with or without air pollution control system. As indicated in the UNEP
Toolkit, there are five type of waste incineration sub-categories addressed
including: incineration of municipal/general wastes, incineration of hazardous
waste, incineration of medical waste, incineration of sewage sludge, and informal
incineration (burning) of waste.
In this regards and based on Ethiopia context, the waste incineration in Ethiopia
can be addressed only two types: (1) medical waste incineration and (2) Informal
waste burning.
2.9.1 Medical Waste Incineration
Medical waste is composed of needles, syringes, glass bottles, glasses, surgical

wastes, and other pharmaceutical wastes. Currently, the medical waste is
generally reasonably managed in terms of waste classification, collection,
storage, and disposal/burning.
Based on the assessment made on nine private and Public hospitals and health
care institutes the waste generation rate of hospitals was for inpatients1.5 kg/
bed/day and out patients 2.5 kg/outpatient/day and with the current malpractices
of healthcare waste management the percentage of hazardous waste was
estimated to be very high (61.04%). Based on this and the estimation made 2484
tons of medical waste incinerated in 2014.The common method of healthcare
waste treatment was done by poor design and construction incinerators which
58
have low combustion capacity. 1 Thus due too inaccurate registered data
uncertainty may arise. The toolkit provides 5 g Hg/t of waste incinerated for the
calculation of the emission from this sector.
All medical waste incinerators do no install APCS, which all emission matters are
gone directly into the atmosphere. So, as an indication of the potential mercury
inputs with incineration of medical wastes, the Toolkit's maximum input factors
(input factors ranged from 8 Kg to 40 Kg Hg/ton waste) are used in the
calculations.
Accordingly, the UNEP Toolkit, the default output distribution factors for
incineration of medical waste shall follow the default output distributors for
incineration of municipal wastes. Thus default output distributions factors for the
scenario "None" were applied in the calculations, in which, the output distribution
factor for this sector is 1 for air. So the estimated possible release of mercury
and its distribution pathways for this sub-category is
Sum of releases
Medical waste Incineration Unit Use
life-cycle
Activity rate t/y - - 2484 2484
gHg/
Input factor for phase - - 24 24
t WI
Kg
Calculated input to phase - - 60 60
Hg/y
- Air - - 1 1
- Water - - 0.00 0.00
- Land - - 0.00 0.00
- Products - - 0.00 0.00
- Air - - 60 60
1Esubalew Tesfahun, Abera Kumie & Abebe Beyene. “Critical assessment of healthcare
waste management practice in Ethiopia’’
59
Sum of releases
Medical waste Incineration Unit Use
life-cycle
- Water - - 0.00 0.00
- Land - - 0.00 0.00
- Products - - 0.00 0.00
2.9.2 Informal Waste Burning
Informal waste burning is defined here as waste burning undertaken at informal

conditions, in barrels, containers, or on bare land, with no flue gas controls and
diffuse spreading of incineration residues on land. If mercury is present in the
waste, part of it will be released to air, and part of it will remain in incineration
residues (including unburned and semi-degraded waste) with a potential for
additional subsequent mercury releases to air, ground water and surface waters.
Given the volatility of mercury, it is expected that most of the mercury is released
into the air as a result of informal waste incineration. This waste disposal method
may pose an immediate risk for the local community in which it takes place,
because air emissions (of several potent pollutants) are not controlled and
residues may cause contamination of the local ground water.
According to the Assessment report from Ministry of Environment, Forest and

Climate Change and Ministry of Urban Development and Housing burning of
waste at dump site and open space is most common practice in large cities like
Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Mekelle, Harare, Assosa, Gambella and most small city
in the country. In addition, only 40-50% of waste is collected and goes to dump
site the remaining is left in open space and river side and the per capital
generation is rages from 0.24 to 0.36kg/day.
60
Based on the estimation made by experts from Ministry of Environment, Forest
and Climate Change and Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, 45-55%
of the waste is collected and transported to the dump site and 20-25% of waste is
exposed for fire both at damp site and open space thus giving a total estimate of
1949995 tons of waste burned in 2014. Unfortunately getting registered data is
serious problem both in municipal and industries waste management system.
The data mentioned above is manipulated from twenty-four cities to the national
level and uncertainties common and expected.
The toolkit provides 5 g/Hg/t of waste burned for the calculation of the emission
from informal burning of waste. In general, the waste management practice very
low and the major portion of uncollected waste and the small amount of waste
collected and transported in to dump sites are exposed of fire and the output
distribution factor is 1 for air.
Sum of releases
Informal Waste Burning Unit Use
life-cycle
194999
Activity rate t/y - - 1949995
5
Input factor for phase g/Hg/t - - 5 5
Calculated input to phase Kg Hg/y - - 9750 9750
- - -
phase:
- Air - - - 1 1
- Water - - - 0.00 0.00
- Land - - - 0.00 0.00
- Products - - - 0.00 0.00
Calculated outputs/releases to: - - -
- Air - - - 9750 9750
- Water - - - 0.00 0.00
- Land - - - 0.00 0.00
- Products - - - 0.00 0.00
194999
- Sector specific waste treatment t/y - - 1949995
5
61
2.10 Data and inventory on Waste Disposal, Deposition/landfilling
The category refers to any waste that going to disposal of at landfill or backyard.
As indicated in the UNEP Toolkit, there are five type of waste deposition and
waste water treatment sub-categories addressed including: controlled
landfills/deposit, diffuse deposition under some control, informal local disposal of
industrial production waste, informal dumping of general waste, and waste water
treatment. In this regards and based on Ethiopian context, the waste deposition
in Ethiopia can be addressed in two types: (1) waste water treatment, and (2)
informal waste disposal.
2.10.1 Informal Dumping of General Waste
Informal dumping of waste is defined here as waste dumping undertaken under

informal conditions with no public control and no safeguards to minimize releases
of pollutants to the surroundings. If mercury is present in the waste, it represents
a potential for mercury releases to soil, air, ground water and surface waters.
This waste disposal method may pose an immediate risk for the local community
in which it takes place, because mercury (and other contaminants) may cause
contamination of the local ground water.
In Ethiopia segregation of general waste is not common. Basically collected

waste is dumped in one site nearby and based on the data manipulated from
twenty-four cities of the country 1147056 tons of general waste was dumped in
2014.
Sum of
releases to
Produc Dispos
Informal Dumping of General Waste Unit Use pathway from
tion al
assessed part
of life-cycle
114705
Activity rate WDt/y
6
1147056
g/Hg/t
Input factor for phase w
5 5
Kg/Hg/
Calculated input to phase y
5735 5735
62
Sum of
releases to
Produc Dispos
Informal Dumping of General Waste Unit Use pathway from
tion al
assessed part
of life-cycle
Output distribution factors for phase: - -
- Air - - 0.1 0.1
- Water - - 0.1 0.1
- Land - - 0.8 0.8
- Products - - 0.00 0.00
- Air - - 537.5 537.5
- Water - - 537.5 537.5
- Land - - 4588.2 4588.2
- Products - - 0.00 0.00
- Sector specific waste treatment 0.00 0.00
2.10.2 Waste Water System/treatment
Waste water management systems in Ethiopian neither adequate nor proper,

only the capital city Addis Ababa has two secondary sewerage treatment plant
and centralized sewerage system and below 10% the sewer line of the city is
connected to this central treatment plant and treating ting 18000m3 waste water
per day (Mechanical and biological (activated sludge) treatment no land
application But in other cities rural area of the country waste waters from various
generating sources are being discharged into waterways or other receiving
sources without treatment, and then stored in these areas.
According to Food and Agriculture and United nation report based on nine cities
municipal waste water generated is estimated 106 m3 /y per habitat and it is
estimated that the total waste water generation accounts about 263922715 m3 /y
in 2014.
63
Based on input factor provided by UNEP Toolkit and the above description
figures, thus the amount of mercury release by this category is shown
Sum of releases to
Waste Water Produc Dispos pathway from
Unit Use
System/Treatment tion al assessed part of life-
cycle
Activity rate WDt/y - - 1359 263922715
Input factor for phase g/Hg/t w - - - 5
Calculated input to phase Kg/Hg/y - - - 5735
Output distribution factors
for phase:
- Air - - - - 0.00
- Water - - - - 1.00
- Land - - - - 0.2
- Products - - - - 0.00
Calculated outputs/releases
to:
- Air - - - - 0.00
- Water - - - 1247.5 1247.5
- Land - - - - 0.00
- Products - - - - 0.00
2.11 Data and inventory on Crematoria and Cemeteries
2.11.1 Cemeteries
A cemetery is an area where human corpses are buried. Mercury in the human
body, primarily from dental amalgam fillings, will be released to the soil at the
cemetery Cemeteries is common practice in Ethiopia. According to the Central
Statics Agency and World Bank report the death rate 0.08% or (8 people per
1000) and from this calculation 720,608 peoples died and corpses buried in 2014.
64
Toolkit provides 1-4 default factors has been set to indicate a low end estimate
for the mercury input to the source category (but not the absolute minimum), and
the high end factor will result in a high end estimate (but not the absolute
maximum).
The output distribution factor this sub categories is 1 for Air and National data on
grams of mercury (in amalgam fillings) per corpse buried will lead to the best
estimates of releases absence of this may rise uncertainty.
Sum of
releases to
Product
Cemeteries Unit Use Disposal pathway from
ion
assessed part
of life-cycle
Buried/
Activity rate
y
- - 720608 720608
Input factor for phase g/Hg/co - - 2.5 2.5

Kg
Calculated input to phase
Hg/y
- - 1801.52 1801.52

phase:
- Air - - - - 0.00
- Water - - - - 0.00
- Land - - - 1 1
- Products - - - - 0.00
Calculated outputs/releases to: - - - -
- Air - - - - 0.00
- Water - - - - 0.00
- Land - - - 1801.52 1801.52
- Products - - - - 0.00
65
Chapter III: Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Framework Assessment
3.1 Policy and Regulatory Assessment

As ratification (or acceptance, approval or accession) by a country of the
Minamata Convention on Mercury legally binds the country to the Convention’s
obligations, the ratification process involves carrying out a national situation
analysis, identifying existing relevant domestic legislation and identifying legal or
administrative actions that may be needed.
This chapter is an analysis of Ethiopia’s environmental legal and regulatory

framework with regard to the management of mercury and mercury compounds
in comparison to the Minamata Convention on Mercury. A tabular exercise has
been done to show the linkage of the convention with the national existing
framework and also the identified gaps both in the legislative and institutional
arrangements.
The 1995 Constitution presented a federal system of state structure, which

consists of a federal and regional states. The power of these states is defined by
the the constitution. The constitution is the supreme law of the land. The
dichotomy in assigning power that rested on the constitution calls for a mutual
respect in the exercise of their powers.
The primary legislative organ of the Federal Government is the House of Peoples’
Representatives. The highest executive powers of the Federal Government are
vested in the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers that are collectively
responsible to the House of Peoples’ Representatives. As per Article 77 of the
constitution, the Council of Ministers may be delegated by the House of Peoples’
Representatives to make secondary legislation. The principal legislation for
Environment and chemicals were adopted in 2007. Their contents, along with
those of the most significant pieces of other relevant legislation are described in
the following sections.
66
As per article 92 of the Constitution, the Government is required to endeavor to
ensure that Ethiopians live in a clean and healthy environment. Article 92(3) of
the Constitution further states that “People have the right to full consultation and
to the expression of views in the planning and implementation of environmental
policies and projects that affect them directly”.
The Environmental Protection Organs Establishment Proclamation (No.

295/2002) establishes the Environmental Protection Authority as an autonomous
body accountable to the Prime Minister. The Authority includes a Director and a
Council, among whose members are representatives of non-governmental
organizations and trade unions (art.8) but presided by the Prime Minister or his
designate. Its functions are to advise the government as well as to approve
directives and guidelines issued by the Authority (art. 9). Every government
agency must include an environmental unit, and Regional environmental
agencies must also be created (arts. 14–15). These mandatory provisions have
paved the way for 5 federal institutions to establish environmental units. The units
are tasked to make sure that activities of the respective institution are respectful
of environmental standards and laws. These institutions that set up environment
units thus far are Ministries of Agriculture, Industry, Water and Energy, Ethiopian
Roads Authority and Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation.
In a similar manner, all the nine Regional States and the two city state
administrations of Dire Dawa and Addis Ababa have designated an environment
body – either standalone or fused with another government body. These
Regional environmental bodies oversee that development activities in their
respective jurisdiction is being carried out by taking heed of environmental laws
and standards. They are also required to submit a state of the environment report
periodically to the federal environmental protection authority. The Regional
environmental authorities are also expected to set their own environmental
standards, which must not be less stringent than those adopted at the federal
level, or adopt those developed by the federal government.
67
The Environmental Impact Assessment Proclamation (No. 295/ 2002) places
the requirement of an environmental impact study before a development project
is implemented. The law places a burden on the project proponent to develop an
impact study on its investment activities. After the study is developed, it should
be submitted to the Regional environmental authority for approval of the project.
The environmental body will then analyze the study through experts as well as
through public inputs – particularly by those in the vicinity of whom the project is
devised to be implemented. The law has thus given a good opening where local
community participation is solicited in an area where they live. It in fact requires
that comments received, in particular from concerned communities, be
adequately taken into account (art. 15). But apart from the general provisions of
the law, there are no detailed rules to guide how such consultations are to be
made. Again, there is no specific treatment of development impacts on wildlife,
although the definition given of “environment” is quite broad and includes all living
organisms.
The Solid Waste Management Proclamation (Proclamation No. 513/2007)

aims to create a systematic approach to manage the existing solid waste in the
country. The rationale behind the formulation of the proclamation is to promote
community participation in order to prevent the adverse effect and to enhance the
benefits resulting from solid waste. The proclamation aims to create a solid waste
management action plan designed by and implemented at, the lowest
administration unit of urban administration can ensure community participation. It
further aims to enhance at all levels capacities to prevent the possible adverse
impacts while creating economically and socially beneficial assets out of solid
waste. This proclamation covers topics of obligation, solid waste management
planning, collection & storage, transportation, treatment, disposal, incineration,
recycling, and hazardous waste. It works hand in hand with the Environmental
Pollution Control Proclamation No. 300/2002 which mandates that all urban
governments are obligated to devise and implement safe and effective
mechanisms to handle, transport, and store municipal waste. It also states that
68
any transporting or treatment of municipal waste can only be done with a permit
from the authority.
The Prevention of Industrial Pollution Council of Ministries Regulation

(159/2008) drew its legal basis from Article 20 of the Environmental protection
control Proclamation No 300/2002 set to create guiding provisions to prevent the
industrial pollution. The proclamation is directed to industry and in particular
“factories”. The regulation does not provide a clear definition of “factories”. This
provision deals with, inter alia, grace period for existing factories, emergency
responses, licensing and penalties.
69
Table 1. Policy and Regulatory Measures in Place and Remaining Gaps
Description of article summary of Policy and Existing Outstanding

provisions2 regulatory policy/regulatory regulatory or
measures in measure policy aspects
place (Title and
Reference)
Article 3 - Article 3 contains control Not allow new primary Currently Ethiopia Legislating ban on
Mercury supply measures aimed at mercury mining doesn’t undertake primary mercury
sources and limiting the global supply primary mercury mining.
trade of mercury to Not allow the import of mining.
complement and mercury without The appropriate
reinforce the demand government consent, institution to put in
reduction control ensuring both the place a mechanism
measures in Articles 4- mercury source and for the government
7. The Article 3 proposed use are to give its consent
provisions limit the allowed under the when importing
sources of mercury Convention (and mercury in
available for use and applicable domestic law) accordance to
trade, and specify applicable
procedures to follow international
where such trade is still agreements.
allowed.
Article 4 on The Convention will Not allow the Proc. No. All products entering Officially ban
mercury-added reduce mercury manufacture, import, 587/2008 the country are duly mercury added
products demand in products and export of products registered and products listed
2 NRDC Checklist
70
place (Title and
Reference)
through a listed in Part I of Annex Proc. No. examined by under the annexes
combination of A not otherwise 622/2009 Ethiopian Revenue with Domestic law.
measures which excluded following the and Customs
phase out mercury phase out date listed in Authority. Incorporate detailed
uses in many key the Annex HS code for
products, phase mercury added
down mercury use in Phase down the use of products in the
another, require the dental amalgam Along with the national custom
review of remaining through two or more imported item, the product registration
products for possible measures listed in Part imports license and system.
restrictions within five II of Annex A permit will be
years, and registered. Train customs
discourage the Take measures to officers and create
manufacture of new prevent the awareness to the
products using incorporation of general public on
mercury. products listed in Part I the banned items.
of Annex A into larger,
assembled products Strong follow up on
the dental amalgam
Discourage the sale market
manufacture and
distribution of new Bring alternative
mercury product types solutions for
71
place (Title and
Reference)
replacing dental
amalgam with other
affordable fillings.
Article 7 on Article 7 applies to Take measures to Proc. No. Its expected that Officially Ban the
artisanal and artisanal and small- reduce, and where 678/2010 licensed miners are to Use of mercury in
small-scale scale gold mining feasible, eliminate conduct mining ASGM to limit
gold mining (ASGM), in which mercury and mercury operations in such a possible future use.
mercury is used to compound use, manner as to ensure
extract gold. emissions (to air), and the health and safety
releases (to land and of his agents,
water) associated with employees and other
ASGM persons, and comply
with the applicable
laws pertaining to
environmental
protection.
Administrative ban
has been made on the
use of mercury for
Gold extraction by the
72
place (Title and
Reference)
Ministry of Mines,
Petroleum and Natural
Gas for the past 8
years
Article 8 on Reduce mercury For New Sources. Proc. No. Establishment of Based on the
emissions emissions to air from Parties MUST use best 886/2015 industrial parks brings Mercury initial
five of the most available techniques an opportunity to Assessment,
significant source (BAT) and best reduce environmental develop national
categories identified environmental practices impact. implementation plan
(BEP) to control and
reduce emissions, as Create a continuous
soon as practicable but inventory system to
no later than five years track and record
after the Convention emission and
enters into force for that emission reduction
Party. interventions.
For Existing Sources. A Use best available

government may choose techniques (BAT)
among five options to and best
control mercury environmental
emissions from existing practices (BEP) to
sources. Regardless of control and reduce
73
place (Title and
Reference)
the option chosen, emissions.
compliance with the
control measures should
be achieved as soon as
practicable, but certainly
no later than 10 years
after the Convention
becomes effective for the
country.
Article 9 on Party must identify Require reporting or Hold continuous
Release significant point sources otherwise obtain and updated
of mercury releases to information as needed to inventory to track
land and water that are identify significant new source of
not addressed by other sources of mercury release to
provisions of the mercury/mercury land and water that
Convention. compound releases to are not addressed
land or water, and to by other provisions
maintain an inventory of
release from the sources
identified
Take one or more

measures specified in
74
place (Title and
Reference)
Article 9.5 to
control/reduce mercury
and mercury compound
releases to land and
water from significant
sources it identifies
Article 10 on Covers the Take measures to The appropriate
environmentally environmentally sound ensure interim mercury institution to take
sound interim interim storage of storage is conducted in measures to
storage of mercury and mercury an environmentally establish an
mercury, other compounds. sound manner, taking environmentally
than waste into account guidelines sound interim
mercury to be developed by the mercury storage
Conference of the
Parties (COP)
Article 11 on focus on Use a definition of Proclamation No: There is an over Specific provisions
mercury wastes environmentally sound mercury waste 513/2007 arching objective to related to mercury
management (ESM) of consistent with Article promote ways that waste and the need
mercury wastes and 11.2 can hinder the to focus on
controls over its hazardous impact of environmentally
Transboundary Take measures to solid waste and turn it sound management
movement. The manage mercury wastes in to an economically to control its
Convention aspires to in an environmentally and socially beneficial movement.
75
place (Title and
Reference)
prevent both improper sound manner, taking asset.
management of the into account guidelines
waste at the domestic developed under the
level and unwanted Basel Convention and in
mercury waste dumping accordance with COP
among nations. requirements to be
developed.
Take measures to
restrict mercury derived
from the treatment or re-
use of mercury waste to
allowed uses under the
Convention or
environmentally sound
disposal
Require transport across

international boundaries
in accordance with the
Basel Convention, or if
the Basel Convention
does not apply,
76
place (Title and
Reference)
consistent with
international rules,
standards, and
guidelines.
Article 12 on calls for the creation Develop strategies for
contaminated and adoption of identifying and assessing
sites guidance in mercury/mercury
approaching compound contaminated
contaminated sites, sites
If risk reduction activities

are taken at
contaminated sites, they
are taken in an
environmentally sound
manner, incorporating
risk assessment where
appropriate
Article 13 on recognizes that Access domestic

financial providing financial resources as may be
resources and assistance to needed to implement
77
place (Title and
Reference)
mechanism developing countries will Convention obligations
improve the effective
implementation of the Access financial
Convention resources available
under the Convention
financial mechanism and
other resources available
from multilateral,
regional, and bilateral
funding sources
Article 14 on Covers the support for Parties shall cooperate Relevant
capacity developing countries in to provide, within their institutions to
building, light of capacity respective capabilities, identify their
technical building, technical timely and appropriate capacity and
assistance and assistance and capacity-building and technology needs to
technology technology transfer. technical assistance to developed country
transfer developing country parties in request
Parties, for support and
assistance.
Article 16 on promotes program Promote the
health aspects development related to development and
the health aspects of implementation of
mercury, strategies to identify and
78
place (Title and
Reference)
protect populations at
risk, such as developing
fish consumption
guidelines
Promote occupational
exposure educational
and prevention programs
Promote prevention,
treatment, and care
services for affected
populations
Article 17 on focuses on the Collect and The ministry of
information exchange of information disseminate information environment forest
exchange & between countries and on annual quantities of and climate change is
Article 18 on on the sharing of mercury and mercury the mandated federal
public information between compounds emitted, body that deals with
information, government and the released, or disposed; environmental
awareness and public. and other information management,
education. specified in Article 18 regulatory and
protection activities.
Share information on
79
place (Title and
Reference)
the health and safety of This includes
humans and the constituting
environment as non- community awareness
confidential, in regime structure in its
accordance with Article constituency. The
17.5 ministry under its
structure established
Report to the COP on a directorate to
progress in implementing disseminate
Convention obligations information to the
under Article 21 general public to
create awareness.
Article 19 on seeks cooperation research areas include, Regulation No. The Ethiopian
research, among countries to among others, 327/2014 environment and
development develop and improve on inventories of mercury forest research
and monitoring. key areas of research use and consumption; institute has been
that can support the levels of mercury in established to
effective implementation people, aquatic food promote research in
sources, and wildlife; the area of
and information on environmental
mercury commerce and management and
trade. forest management
Article 21 on Reporting will be a Reporting is expected
80
place (Title and
Reference)
reporting Principal bases for on:
evaluating compliance.
Measures taken to
implement the provisions
of the Convention, the
effectiveness of such
measures, and the
possible challenges in
meeting the objectives of
the Convention (Article
21.1).
Information as called for

in Articles 3 (Supply and
Trade), 5 (Processes), 7
(ASGM), 8 (Emissions)
and 9 (Releases) (Article
21.2).
81
3.2 Institutional Assessment
In order to ensure effective implementation of the Minamata Convention through

coordinated actions from institutions and stakeholders in the country, it is
important to identify the relevant Government ministries, agencies and
institutions as well as non-government institutions, private sector stakeholders
and others as well as their respective roles and responsibilities. Environmental
management issues and the concept of sustainable development began to gain
more prominence in Ethiopia from the mid-eighties onwards. Of particular
importance in this respect was the initiation of the preparation of the
Conservation Strategy of Ethiopia (CSE) in 1989 by the then Office of the
National Committee for Central Planning (ONCCP).
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) was established as an

autonomous government agency at the Federal level by Proclamation 9/1995
primarily responsible for environmental management and protection of the
country and was subsequently re-established as an autonomous body
responsible to the Prime Minister by the Environmental Organs Establishment
Proclamation No. 295/2002.
Institutional framework for the implementation of Multilateral Environmental

Agreements in general includes the national development framework, policies,
strategies; laws and organizational arrangements that are in place relevant for
MEA implementation as well as for the overall environmental management and
protection of the country’s resources. The institutional framework for the
implementation of these agreements, including the allocation of coordination
mandates, is found in: environmental policy documents; general legislation for
the establishment and mandating of federal government organs; and, the specific
law on the establishment of environmental protection organs.
82
A number of government organizations such as line ministries, agencies and
others public institutions are directly or indirectly responsible for, and concerned
with various aspects of chemicals management. These include, among others:
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is responsible to

ensure the realization of the environmental rights, goals, objectives and basic
principles enshrined in the Constitution as well as the Environment Policy of
Ethiopia through coordinating appropriate measures, establishing systems,
developing programmes and mechanisms for the welfare of humans and the
safety of the environment. It is mandated to formulate or initiate and coordinate
the formulation of strategies, policies, laws and standards as well as procedures
and up on approval monitor and enforce their implementation. It is also
responsible for the synergistic implementation and follow-up of international and
regional environmental agreements, including those pertaining to hazardous
chemicals, industrial wastes and anthropogenic environmental hazards in which
Ethiopia is a party. All Multilateral Environmental Agreement’s, including
Minamata convention, are currently being coordinated and monitored by the
Ministry of environment, Forest and climate Change.
• The Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health, as per Proclamation No. 475/1995 (as amended by

916/2015) has given powers and duties to formulate development strategies and
programmes pertaining to the health sector and follow-up and evaluate their
implementation. It is also responsible for preventive actions on occurrences that
threaten public health, for supply and management of medicines and medical
equipment and also for the proper execution of food, medicines and health care
regulatory functions. The main aim of this ministry is to reduce morbidity,
mortality and disability and improve the health status of the Ethiopian people
through providing and regulating a comprehensive package of promotive,
83
preventive, curative and rehabilitative health services via a decentralized and
democratized health system.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources:
The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources is an important institution

among the line ministries in terms of mandates over the development, utilization
and conservation of environmental resources such as land and water, disaster
preparedness including climate resilience, the conservation of bio-diversity, and
control of pesticides.
Under the provisions of Proclamation 692/2010, the Ministry has, inter alia, the
powers and duties to formulate and facilitate the implementation of a strategy for
natural resources protection and development through sustainable agricultural
development, establish and direct training centers that contribute to the
enhancement of agricultural development and the improvement of rural
technologies; undertake disaster prevention and preparedness activities and
ensure the proper implementation of the food security program; monitor events
affecting agricultural production and set up an early warning system and
establish a system whereby stakeholders of agricultural research coordinate their
activities and work in collaboration.
The powers and duties formerly assigned to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development have also been given to the Ministry of Agriculture. The Ministry of
Agriculture and Natural Resources is vested with powers of promoting extension
services to improve agricultural productivity, controlling the out breaks of animals
and plant diseases and pests. It is also responsible to ensure the supply,
distribution and marketing of agricultural inputs, the proper administration and
control of pesticides and veterinary drugs and also monitoring the occurrences
affecting agricultural production.
84
• The Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Electric:
The former Ministry of Water Resources has been re-established as the Ministry
of Water and Energy under the Definition of Powers and Duties of the Executive
Organs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Proclamation
(Proclamation No. 691/2010) now re structured to the Ministry of Water, Irrigation
and Electric as per proclamation No 916/2015. Currently The Ministry of Water,
Irrigation and Electric is empowered to promote the expansion of medium and
large irrigation dams, the growth and expansion of electric energy supply. It is
also mandated to issue permits and regulate the construction and operation of
water works.
The powers and duties of the Ministry focus on overall water resources
management, such as promoting the development of water resources and
energy, construction and administration of dams, and prescribing quality
standards for waters to be used for various purposes as well as supporting the
expansion of potable water supply coverage. In addition, the Ministry of Water
and Energy has taken over the totality of the powers and duties given to the
Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Mines and Energy.
• The Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation as per proclamation no

Proclamation No. 916/2015, is the key institution in Ethiopia’s national policy
development and monitoring system across socio-economic development issues.
As such, monitoring data and information in every sector, including the sectors
directly relevant to the implementation of MEAs, ultimately ends up the Ministry’s
information system. The duties and responsibilities of this ministry under
Proclamation No. 691/2010 is, inter alia, prepare the country's economic and
social development plan and follow-up their implementation of same upon
approval; follow up and evaluate the performance of general, sectoral and multi-
sectoral development plans; prepare a national report on the implementation of
85
development plans which shall include the performance of regional states plans
And prepare the federal government budget, make disbursements, and evaluate
the performance of the budget.
• The Ministry of Industry:
The Ministry of Industry is a federal government entity that took the mandate and
responsibility to promote and facilitate enabling environment for industry and
investment expansion in the country. The main vision of this ministry is to secure,
in 2023 a globally competitive industry sector with a leading role in the economy
and that has a rapid and sustainable growth.
• The Ministry of Trade:
The Ministry of Trade is an authorized federal government entity that promotes

legitimate expansion of domestic and international trade. It has a mandate to
establish foreign relation, coordinate negotiation as well as sign and implement
agreements pertaining to international trade. In addition, it is responsible for
establishing, regulating and enforcing legal metrological systems, and also for
the provision and control of commercial registration and licenses.
• The Ministry of Transport:
The Ministry of Transport is responsible for the expansion of integrated transport

services in line with the development strategies and regulatory systems of the
country. It is also mandated to ensure the construction, upgrading and
maintenance of transport infrastructures.
• The Ministry of Mine, Petroleum and Natural Gas:
The Ministry of Mine, Petroleum and Natural Gas is concerned with petroleum
storage and distribution facilities, as well as volume of reserve. It is authorized to
promote the development of mining, to issue and control mineral exploration and
exploitation licenses.
86
• The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs:
The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has the power and duties to issue and
follow-up occupational health and safety standards.
• The Ministry of Justice:
The Ministry of Justice is the chief advisor of the federal government on matters
of law, and responsible for the prevention and investigation of crimes against the
rules and procedures set. And also mandated to establish systems for gathering,
handling and distribution of information related to criminal justice, institute suit on
behalf of public organizations or intervene at any stage of the proceedings of
such suits before the competent courts or other judicial bodies where the rights
and interest of the public or the government so required; and follow-up the
execution of court decision which made the concerned public organization
judgment creditors.
• The Ministry of Federal and Pastoral Affairs:
The Ministry of Federal and Pastoral Affairs has power to ensure the proper
execution of functions relating to the federal police, federal prisons and
minesweeping, to issue permits for the possession, use, selling and repairing of
firearms and explosives, and to determine applicable conditions for the selling of
explosives.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is mandated, as deemed necessary, to negotiate

and sign, upon approval, treaties that Ethiopia enters into with other countries
and regional and international communities and ensure the enforcement of rights
and obligations emanating from the signed treaties, and also coordinate all
foreign relations.
• The Ministry of Science and Technology:
87
The Ministry of Science and Technology has power and duties that extend to
prepare and coordinate science and technology national research and
development programmes, establish a system for technology need assessment,
identification, acquisition, packaging, utilization and disposal, and undertake their
implementation follow-up. Its responsibility also goes to register technology
transfer made in every sector, coordinate efforts of codification and technology
capability accumulation and ensure their successive use.
• The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing:
The provision of all-round and coordinated support to and follow-up of the

activities of urban centers for improving their service delivery is a legally bound
duty of the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing.
• The Ministry of Education:
The Ministry of Education is vested with executive power of formulating curricula

frameworks for the country’s education. The Vision of this ministry is Sustainably
building an education and training system that ensures quality and equitable
education for all citizens and that continuously produces a competent and
competitive workforce fueling the country’s economic development. The Ministry
envisions to ensuring effective, quality and equitable education and training
system through building the implementation capacity of the education sector at
all levels, designing and regulating standards of efficiency, expanding
standardized education throughout the country, as well as complementing and
leveraging education sector development interventions with strategic
communications and public awareness,
• Ministry of livestock and Fisheries:
Instituted in 2016, this ministry has been mandated to, inter alia, establish a
system that ensures quality standard of any livestock or livestock product
supplied to the market.
88
• Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority
ERCA is the main organ that is responsible for the Customs operation in Ethiopia.
Previously it was the Ethiopian Customs Authority that oversaw the Customs
operation in Ethiopia. But, since the second half of 2008, the Ministry of Revenue
has been reorganized as the Ethiopian Revenues and Customs Authority by
proclamation number 587/2008. In addition to raising revenue, it is responsible to
protect the society from adverse effects of smuggling and contraband. It seizes
and takes legal action on the people and vehicles involved in the act of
smuggling, any tax evasion and avoidance while it facilitates the legitimate
movement of goods and people across the border.
• Ethiopian Standards Agency
Ethiopian Standard Agency (ESA) is a governmental non-profitable organization

and the sole National Standards Body (NSB) which represents Ethiopian interest
in economical, social and environmental aspects with regard to standard benefits
across International and regional Arena. Besides working with international and
Regional standard bodies, ESA also work closely with different national standard
bodies under bilateral agreements.
Ethiopian Standard Body has undergone several structural and name changes
since its first birth back in 1970, and ESA was established as per the latest
restructuring, as per Ethiopian Council of Minister Regulation No. 193/2010,
which caused the splitting of former Quality and Standards Authority of Ethiopia
(QSAE) into four including the new national standards body (NSB) – Ethiopian
Standards Agency (ESA), Ethiopian Conformity Assessment Enterprise,
Ethiopian Metrology Institute and Ethiopian Accreditation office.
Ethiopian Standard Agency (ESA) is a governmental agency which is

accountable to Ministry of Science and Technology, and has a National
Standardization council which work together with the agency, the member of the
89
council is drawn from appropriate Governmental and Other bodies and
designated by the government. Ethiopian standards agency has three core
business areas which mainly focus on the standard formulation, training and
Technical support and organizing and disseminating standards, Conformity
assessment procedures and Technical regulation for the customers.
90
The following table displays the comparative analysis of national legislation in light of the institutional framework and the
relevant provisions.
Institutional Relevant
Legal Instrument Objective Analysis
Arrangement Provision
Dangerous Drug Ministry of Commerce To restrict and control the Articles 2–4 It protects the human health
Proclamation 1942 and Industry import and sale of and environment by restricting
dangerous drugs and controlling the importing
and selling of dangerous
drugs, however, it makes no
reference as to how to control
anthropogenic emissions and
releases of mercury and
mercury compounds.
Explosive Proclamation Security, Immigration and To restrict and control Articles 1–4 It protects the human health
1942 Refugee Affairs Authority sale, possession and use and environment by restricting
of explosives and controlling the sale,
possession and use of
explosives, however, it makes
no reference as to how control
mercury compounds.
The 1957 Penal Code of Ministry of Justice To prosecute those Articles 510, As it is the Criminal code of the
Ethiopia Amended as dealing in prohibited 511, 784 and Federal Democratic Republic
The Criminal Code of the chemicals 786 of Ethiopia it has general
Federal Democratic purpose of stating out the
Republic of Ethiopia: crimes and the punishments
Proclamation No. related there to. It is in the right
414/2004 track as it deals with the
prosecution of those dealing in
91
prohibited chemicals; however,
specific legislations dealing
with different prohibited
chemicals should be enacted.
The 1960 civil Code of civil courts (at the Cessation of nuisance Articles 1225, Stipulates the civil liabilities
Ethiopia initiative of plaintiff and the Pollution 1242/2 and associated with nuisance and
1243/1 pollution in the general.
Pharmacy Regulation No. Ministry of Health To control production, Articles 34 & It protects the human health
288/1964 import, sale and disposal 39ff and environment by controlling
of drugs and psychotropic production, import, sale and
substances disposal of drugs and
psychotropic substances;
however, it makes no
mercury substances.
Industrial License Ministry of Trade To ensure that Article 11 It protects the human health
Proclamation 1971 development projects are and environment by ensuring
non-polluting the development projects that
are non-polluting; however, it
makes no reference as to how
to control anthropogenic
emissions and releases of
mercury and mercury
substances.
Ethiopian Standard Quality and Standard To specify physical and Articles 4/2 It protects the human health
Regulation No. 12/1990 Authority of Ethiopia bacteriological and environment by specifying
requirements of piped the physical and
supplies of water for bacteriological requirements of
92
drinking and domestic piped supplies of water for
use drinking and domestic use; it is
closely related to the Minamata
Convention as the Minamata
disease was first exhibited in
water.
Pesticide Registration Ministry of Agriculture To minimize the adverse It protects the human health
and Control Council of and Natural Resources effects of pesticides on and environment by minimizing
State Special Decree No. human beings, animals, Articles 4-10 the adverse effects of
20/1990 amended as plants and the pesticides on human beings,
Pesticide Registration environment animals, plants and the
and Control Proclamation environment; however, it
No.674/2010 makes no reference as to how
to control the anthropogenic
mercury and mercury
compounds.
International Labor Ministry of Labor and To handle and use Article 2/4 of It is the first international
Organization Social Affairs hazardous substances the Decree document to provide for the
Conventions: Ratification safely (including and 12ff of safe handling and use of
Council of State Decree chemicals) the hazardous substances
No. 37/1990 Convention (including chemicals) in the
155/1981 work environment.
Road Transport Ministry of Transport To prevent or mitigate Article 21 It protects the human health
Regulation Proclamation vehicular pollution. and the environment by
No.14/1992 amended as preventing or mitigating
Transport Proclamation vehicular pollution; however, it
No. 468/2005 makes no specific reference as
to how to control the
93
mercury compounds.
Labor Proclamation No. Ministry of Labor and To handle and use Articles 92 & It is the first of national
42/1993 amended as Social Affairs hazardous substances 93 document to deal with the safe
Labor (Amendment) safely (including handling and use of hazardous
Proclamation No. chemicals) substance (including
377/2003 chemicals)
Labor (Amendment)
Proclamation No.
466/2005
Labor (Amendment)
Proclamation No.
494/2006
Radiation Protection National Radiation To regulate, control, and Articles 3, 7, It protects the human health
Proclamation No. Protection Authority supervise radiological and 13–15 and environment by regulating,
79/1993 amended as and all activities relating controlling and supervising
Radiation Protection No. to acquisition, use, radiological and all activities
571/2008 transportation and relating to acquisition, use,
disposal of radioactive transportation and disposal of
substances radioactive substances;
however, it makes no specific
the anthropogenic emissions
and releases of mercury and
mercury compounds.
Framework convention Ministry of Environment, To Reduce the emission Articles 1–6 One of the first few significant
on climate Change: Forest and Climate of greenhouse gases international documents to
Ratification Proclamation Change and other raise the issue of Environment.
94
No. 97/1994 relevant sectors
Vienna convention for the Ministry of Environment, To protect human health Articles 1–5 It protects the human health
Protection of the Ozone Forest and Climate and the environment and the environment against
Layer Change (for policyagainst adverse effects adverse effects resulting or
matters) & resulting or likely to result likely to result from human
from human activities activities which modify or are
National Meteorology which modify or are likely likely to modify the ozone
Service Agency (for to modify the ozone layer layer; however, it makes no
technical matters) specific reference as to how to
control the anthropogenic
mercury and mercury
compounds.
Mining Operations Ministry of Mines, To regulate mining Article 29 It protects the human health
Council of Ministers Petroleum and Natural operations sub-articles 1 and the environment by
Regulation No. 182/1994 Gas &2 regulating mining operations;
amended as Mining however, it makes no specific
Operations Council of reference as to how to control
Ministers Regulations No. the anthropogenic emissions
124/2006 and releases of mercury and
mercury compounds.
The Constitution of the The pertinent ministries To ensure the right to a Articles 44 Having in mind that the
Federal Democratic and State bodies clean and healthy and 92 Constitution of the Federal
Republic of Ethiopia: environment. Democratic Republic of
Proclamation No. 1/1995 Ethiopia is the first constitution
To ensure that designs of the country to address the
and implementation right to a clean and healthy
programmes and projects environment, there should be
of development shall not supplement legislations to
damage or destroy the address specific issues related
95
environment. to the environment and health.
Definition of Powers and Ministry of Water, To protect and utilization Article 17 It is one of the first National
Duties of the Executive Irrigation and Electricity of water sub-articles 2 documents to define the
Organs of the FDRE: &9 powers and duties of several
Proclamation No. 4/1995 To prescribe the quality Executive Organs of the
standard for water to be Federal Democratic Republic
used for various of Ethiopia and allocated such
purposes powers and duties for the
protection of the human health
and the environment to the
different Executive Organs
Amendment Ministry of Environment, To ensure that Article 6 A national document that
Proclamation No. Forest and Climate development activities paved a way to deal issues
93/1997 Change are carried out in a related to the protection of the
manner that protects the human health and the
Amendment welfare of humans and environment; based up on this
Proclamation No. sustainably protect, specific documents dealing
134/1998 develop, and utilize the with the anthropogenic
resource base emissions and release of
Amendment mercury and mercury
Proclamation No. compounds should be
256/2001 enacted.
Amendment
Proclamation No.
320/2003
Amendment
Proclamation No.
96
411/2004
Amendment
Proclamation No.
465/2005
Amendment
Proclamation No.
471/2005
Amendment
Proclamation No.
803/2013
Amendment
Proclamation No.
919/2015
Re-establishment Ethiopian Petroleum To import and arrange Article 5 sub- It provides for the safe
Environmental Protection Enterprise the sell and processing of articles 1 & 2 handling and use of petroleum
Organs Establishment crude oil as well as and processing of crude oil;
Proclamation No. refined petroleum and its however, it makes no specific
295/2002 products reference as to how to control
Amendment and releases of mercury and
Proclamation No. mercury compounds.
803/2013
Amendment
Proclamation No.
919/2015
97
Ethiopian Health and Ethiopian Health & To conduct research on Article 5/2 It protects the human health
Nutrition Research Nutrition Research traditional medicines, and the environment by
Institute Establishment Institute modern drugs and conducting research on
Council of Ministers improvement of health traditional medicines, modern
Regulation No. 4/1996 drugs and improvement of
health; however, it makes no
specific reference as to how to
mercury and mercury
compounds
Convention on the Ministry of Commerce To undertake all acts All articles in It protects the human health
Prohibition of the and Industry necessary for the the and the environment by
Production, Stockpiling implementation of the convention prohibiting the development,
and Use of Chemical Convention on the production, stockpiling, and
Weapons and on their prohibition of the use of chemical weapons and
Destruction: Ratification development, production, their destruction; however, it
proclamation No. 30/1996 stockpiling, and use of makes no specific reference as
chemical weapons and to how to control the
their destruction anthropogenic emissions and
mercury compounds.
Investment Proclamation Ethiopian Investment To protect the Article 14/1 It protects the human health
No. 37/1996 Authority environment and the environment by
aligning investment with the
protection of the environment;
98
mercury compounds.
The Re-establishment Customs Authority To control the import and Part 2 articles It protects the human health
and modernization of export of prohibited or 1 & 2 and the environment by
Customs Authority restricted goods controlling the import and
Proclamation No. export of prohibited or
60/1997 restricted goods that could
result in the damage of human
health and the environment;
mercury compounds.
Fertilizer Manufacturing National Fertilizer To increase fertilizer use Articles 13– It protects the human health
and Trade Proclamation Industry Agency to improve agricultural 23 and the environment by
No.137/1998 amended productivity on promoting the safe handling
as R organization of the sustainable basis and use of fertilizers; however,
Executive Organs of the it makes no specific reference
Federal Democratic as to how to control the
Republic of anthropogenic emissions and
Ethiopia/Amendment releases of mercury and
Proclamation No. mercury compounds.
380/2004- the power and
duties given to the
National Agricultural Input
Authority by the Fertilizer
Manufacturing and Trade
Proclamation No.
137/1998 are hereby
given to the Ministry of
99
Agriculture and Rural
Development.
Basel Convention The Ministry of To protect human health Article 6 – 10 It is one of the international
Ratification proclamation Environment, Forest and and environment documents that controlled the
No. 192/2000 Climate Change trans-boundary movements of
To control the hazardous waste and their
Transboundary disposal and it could be related
Movements of Hazardous to the Minamata Convention as
Waste and their Disposal the Mercury and Mercury
compounds are hazardous
waste and the Minamata
disease emerged because
Mercury wasn’t effectively
disposed.
Rotterdam Convention The Ministry of To protect human health Article 10 – It is also one of the
Ratification Proclamation Environment, Forest and and environment 13 international documents that
No. 278/2002 Climate Change promoted shared responsibility
To promote shared and cooperative efforts among
responsibility and parties in international trade of
cooperative efforts certain hazardous chemicals
among parties in and to contribute to their
international trade of environmentally sound use;
certain hazardous this could also be applied to
chemicals and to the case of Mercury and
contribute to their Mercury Compounds,
environmentally sound however, other specific
use legislations dealing with the
issue should be enacted.
Stockholm Convention The Ministry of To protect human health Article 3 – 6 This is also another
Ratification Proclamation Environment, Forest and and environment from international document that
100
No.279/2002 Climate Change persistent organic dealt with the protection of
pollutants human health and environment
from persistent organic
pollutants, Mercury and
Mercury compounds could be
said to fall under this; however,
specific legislation dealing with
the issue should be enacted.
Bamako Convention The Ministry of To prohibit the import of It is one of the regional
Ratification Proclamation Environment, Forest and hazardous and instruments dealing with the
No. 355/2003 Climate Change radioactive wastes into prohibition of the importation of
the African continent hazardous and radioactive
wastes; Transboundary
To minimize and control movements of hazardous
Transboundary wastes; prohibition of ocean
movements of hazardous and inland water dumping or
wastes within the African incineration of hazardous
continent wastes and ensuring the
disposal of wastes in an
To prohibit all ocean and environmentally sound manner
inland water dumping or in the Continent; however, it
incineration of hazardous makes no specific reference as
wastes to how to control the
To ensure that disposal releases of mercury and
of wastes is conducted in mercury compounds.
an environmentally sound
manner
To promote cleaner
101
production over the
pursuit of a permissible
emissions approach
based on assimilative
capacity assumptions
Pesticide Registration Ministry of Agriculture To minimize the adverse Article 3 – 14 It protects the human health
and Control Proclamation and Natural Resources effects of pesticide use and the environment by
No.674/2010 might cause to human minimizing the adverse effects
beings, animals, plants of pesticide use; however, it
and environment makes no specific reference as
to how to control the
To enact a anthropogenic emissions and
comprehensive releases of mercury and
legislation to regulate the mercury compounds.
manufacture, formulation,
import, export, transport,
storage, distribution, sale,
use and disposal of
pesticides and other
matters related.
Ethiopian Mineral, Ministry of Public To establish the Articles 3 and It proposes to establish
Petroleum, and Bio-fuel Enterprises Ethiopian Mineral, 6 Ethiopian Mineral, Petroleum
Corporation Petroleum and Bio-fuel and Bio-fuel Corporation as a
Establishment Council of Corporation as a Federal Federal Government Public
Ministers Regulations No. Government Public Enterprise, which would help
367/2015 Enterprise with the effective management
of Minerals, Petroleum and
Bio-fuel; however, it makes no
specific reference as to how to
102
mercury and mercury
compounds.
Convention on Elicit Ministry of Health To control elicit trafficking All articles of It protects the human health
Trafficking and Abuse of and abuse of narcotic the and environment by controlling
Narcotic and and psychotropic Convention the elicit trafficking and abuse
substances of narcotic and psychotropic
Psychotropic Substances substances; however, it makes
no specific reference as to how
to control the anthropogenic
mercury and mercury
compounds.
Definition of Powers and • Ministry of National To re-allocate and re- All provisions
Duties of the Executive Defense define different powers of the
Organs of the Federal • The Ministry of and duties of the Proclamation
Democratic Republic of Federal Pastoralist Executive Organs of the
Ethiopia: Proclamation Development Affairs Federal Democratic
No. 916/2015 • The Ministry of Republic of Ethiopia
Foreign Affairs
• The Ministry of Justice
• The Ministry of Public
Service and Human
Resource
Development
• The Ministry of
Finance and Economic
Cooperation
• The Ministry of
Agriculture and
103
Natural Resources
• The Ministry of
Livestock and
Fisheries
• The Ministry of
Industry
• The Ministry of Trade
• The Ministry of
Science and
Technology
• The Ministry of
Transport
• The Ministry of
Communication and
Information
Technology
• The Ministry of Urban
Development and
Housing
• The Ministry of
Construction
• The Ministry of Water,
Irrigation and
Electricity
• The Ministry of Mines,
Petroleum and Natural
Gas
• The Ministry of
Environment, Forest
and Climate Change
104
• The Ministry of Public
Enterprises
• The Ministry of
Education
• The Ministry of Health
• The Ministry of Labor
and Social Affairs
• The Ministry of culture
and Tourism
• The Ministry of
Women and Children
Affairs
• The Ministry of Youth
and Sports
Source: Law and Standards Directorate, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Compilation
The following table shows the specific provisions of the Minamata convention in-light of the management trends. This
table should be read in conjunction with the previous legislation analysis (table) and legal assessment (table).
Article In MC Management System Gap Recommendation

Article 3 • Ethiopia does not exercise primary • No explicit ban on primary • Incase there is recovery of potential
mercury mining. mercury mining. mercury, legislating the ban with a
monitoring system in place
105
• Ethiopia is currently implementing the • No Specific management system • Create a coordinated system to
Basel Convention Prior Informed for prior informed consent in manage the trade of mercury in
Consent. relation to trade for mercury. relation to the PIC requirements of the
• All trade related to mercury is • Tracking of the imported /exported Minamata Convention
recorded by both the Ministry of trade mercury is weak. • Creating awareness to the society
and Ethiopia Revenue and Customs especially in boarder areas.
Authority. • Train and equip customs and boarder
• Ethiopian Revenue and Customs officers with adequate knowledge to
Authority has the mandate to oversee tackle the problem.
all items exported including mercury.
•Ethiopian Revenue and Customs •Tracking of the imported /exported •Monitoring system should be in place.
Authority has the mandate to oversee mercury is weak. •Mercury holders should have a way of
all items imported, including mercury. •No monitoring mechanism of notifying the mercury stock they are
mercury stocks. holding in a timely manner.
Article 4 •All products entering the country are •As there is no direct law dealing •Identification of mercury added
duly registered by Ethiopian Revenue with mercury and mercury added products under the national import
and Customs Authority. products, import is not address by system
•Along with the imported item, the the existing legislative framework. •Legally ban mercury added products
imports license and permit will be listed under the annexes
registered. •Train customs officers and create
106
awareness to the general public on the
banned items.
•As there is no direct law dealing •Create awareness especially on the

with mercury and mercury added use of Dental Amalgam to users and
products, import is not address by practitioners.
the existing legislative framework •Strong follow up on the dental
•The market for sale of Dental amalgam sale market
amalgam is poor thus practitioners •Bring alternative solutions for replacing
use amalgam imported in small dental amalgam with other affordable
quantity from china without fillings.
registration by the ERCA.
No existing international/national Create standard limiting mercury added
standard limiting mercury added products in assembled products
products in assembled products
107
Hold public awareness campaigns to
discourage consumers from purchasing
and manufactures/distributers from
selling new products with mercury.
Article 7 • Administrative ban has been made on • No specific legislation relating to • Legislating the ban on extraction of
the use of mercury for Gold extraction the ban on the extraction gold gold using mercury in Artisanal and
by the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum using mercury. small scale mining.
and Natural Gas for the past 8 years
Article 8 • No management system for emission • No existing system to monitor, • Based on the Mercury initial
reduction of mercury. track and record emissions and Assessment, develop national
emission reduction interventions. implementation plan.
• Create a continuous inventory system
to track and record emission and
emission reduction interventions.
• use best available techniques (BAT)
and best environmental practices
(BEP) to control and reduce
emissions,
108
Article 9 • No system to identify release of • - there has been no dedicated Devise a procedure to identify mercury
Mercury that has not been dealt identification procedure with a releases.
under the Minamata convention. specific view on mercury releases
Article 10 Separate storage mechanisms Regarding storage of mercury, the Need to identify ways of creating
national management system is procedure for storage of non waste
sufficiently covered mercury
Article 11 No separate mercury waste collection Lack of proper mercury waste Establish a separate mercury waste
mechanism in place collection mechanism collection mechanism.
Article 12 No scientifically identified Identify scientifically hotspots and
contaminated site contaminated sites in the country.
Article 13 Diverse legislative and administrative No specific reference to mercury in Health legislation assessment to identify
measures in different policy fields that some of the policy fields the inclusion of mercury in the
aim to protect the health of humans. legislation.
Awareness raising activities to identify

vulnerable society to the impact of
mercury.
109
Chapter IV: Identification of Populations at Risks and Gender Dimensions
4.1 Preliminary Review of Potential Populations at Risk and Potential Health Risks
and Gender Dimensions Related to The Management of Mercury
There is a growing concern among health officials and policy makers about
chemicals units’ potential impact on the environment and human health. The
potential impact of chemicals in general a mercury in particularly on population
health is enormous and is expected to worsen unless efforts are made to curb
the emission and release to the environment.
Different international studies show the possible effect of mercury to human

health and wellbeing. Further national studies need to be undertaken to
understand the overall circumstance of Ethiopia in-light of the potential
populations at risk and also the potential health risks. Generally, women and
children have been found to be most vulnerable in the assessment of POPs
chemicals in 2016. Detailed studies on the possible impact of mercury will be an
area of focus for Ethiopia to uphold.
Chapter V: Awareness/Understanding of Workers and the Public; and Existing Training

and Education Opportunities of Target Groups and Professionals
While implementing the mercury initial assessment, different awareness raising

meetings were incorporated. The awareness raising started initially for the staff in
the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change followed by key
stakeholder’s discussion. Major Ministries and Agencies that were identified in
the mapping exercise took part in the stakeholder’s discussion.
The awareness raising work has also been extended to some of the major gold
mining sites. The ministry, while assessing sites for gold mining sites with use of
mercury, took time to discuss with regional authorities and miners regarding the
possible impact of mercury.
110
The understanding of mercury and its impact on health is still weak in Ethiopia.
Numerous activates are required to bring population to pace with the
understanding of the impact of mercury. Thus, the Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change along with relevant sector and regional authorities
plans to design an awareness raising plan and implement a full scale national
awareness raising campaign.
111
ANNEX I: Stakeholder Engagement process
• Dr. Ayele Hegena,
Director General, Law, Standards and Policy Directorate, Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change
• Mr. Mehari Wondemagegn,
Director General, Compliance, Monitoring and Control Director General,
• Ms. Roman Kassahun,
Director, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
• Mr. Binyam Yakob Gebreyes,
Focal Point for Minamata Convention, Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change
• Mr. Belachew Hailemariam Taye,
Policy Expert, Law, Standards and Policy Directorate, Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change
• Mr. Girma Gemechu Kenne,
Senior Hazardeous Waste Expert, Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change
• Mrs. Enatfanta Melaku,
Director, Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Natural Gas
Mr. Kassahun Tsegaye,
Addis Ababa Solid Waste Reuse and Disposal Project Office
• Mr. Taddesse Amare,
Director, Pesticide Action Nexus Association, PAN-Ethiopia
• Mr. Epherem Sisay
Addis Ababa Solid waste recycling project office.
• Tamirat Sulamo
Expert, Ministry of Urban Development and Housing.
• Dr. Abera Kumai
Lecturer, Addis Ababa School of Public Health
• Dawit Alemu
Expert, Chemical and Construction Input Development Institute.
• Meseret Adamu
Expert, Chemical and Construction Input Development Institute.
• Fitsum Anteneh
Expert, Ethiopian food medicine and health care administration and Control
• Abreham Misganu
Ministry of Health.
• Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
• Balcha hospital, Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
• Minilik hospital, Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
• Paulos Millennium Hospital Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
• Gandhi Memorial hospital, Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
• Sahara bulb factory, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
112
ANNEX II: UNEP TOOLKIT Calculation Spreadsheet
Table1 Summary of mercury inventory results
Source category Calculated Hg output, Kg/y

By-pro-ducts General Sector specific treatment Total releases by source Percent of total
Air Water Land and impurities waste /disposal category releases*3*4
5.1: Extraction and use of fuels/energy sources 5.739,0 - - - - - 5.739 9%
5.2: Primary (virgin) metal production 750,0 375,0 16.875,0 750,0 - - 18.750 28%
5.3: Production of other minerals and materials with
mercury impurities*1 361,2 - - 120,4 - 120,4 602 1%
5.4: Intentional use of mercury in industrial processes - - - - - - - 0%
5.5: Consumer products with intentional use of
mercury (whole life cycle) 5.075,7 3.387,1 5.889,3 - 7.845,9 - 22.198 33%
5.6: Other intentional product/process use*2 121,7 2.556,0 292,0 219,0 1.631,4 1.649,8 6.470 10%
5.7: Production of recycled metals - - - - - - - 0%
5.8: Waste incineration and burning 9.810,0 - - - - - 9.810 15%
5.9: Waste deposition/landfilling and waste water
treatment*3*4 573,5 1.821,0 4.588,2 - 83,1 55,4 7.121 2%
5.10: Crematoria and cemeteries - - 1.801,5 - - - 1.802 3%
SUM OF QUANTIFIED RELEASES*3*4 22.431 6.892 24.858 1.089 9.560 1.826 66.656 100%
113
Table 0-2 Summary of mercury releases (overleaf)
Calculate.
Exists? Hg input
C Sub-C Source category (y/n/?) to society Calculated Hg output, Kg/y
By-pro-ducts General Sector specific

Air Water Land and impurities waste treatment/disposal
Source category: Extraction and use of fuels/energy
5.1 sources
5.1.1 Coal combustion in power plants 0 0 0 0 0 0 0,0 0
5.1.2.1 Coal combustion in coal fired industrial boilers n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.1.2.2 Other coal use n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.1.3 Mineral oils - extraction, refining and use y 10 10 0 0 0 0 0
5.1.4 Natural gas - extraction, refining and use n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.1.5 Other fossil fuels - extraction and use n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.1.6 Biomass fired power and heat production y 5729 5729 0 0 0 0 0
5.1.7 Geothermal power production ? 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.2 Source category: Primary (virgin) metal production
5.2.1 Mercury (primary) extraction and initial processing (a n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Gold (and silver) extraction with mercury amalgamation
5.2.2 processes n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.2.3 Zinc extraction and initial processing n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.2.4 Copper extraction and initial processing n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.2.5 Lead extraction and initial processing n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Gold extraction and initial processing by methods other
5.2.6 than mercury amalgamation y 18750 750 375 16875 750 0 0
5.2.7 Aluminum extraction and initial processing n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.2.8 Other non-ferrous metals - extraction and processing n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.2.9 Primary ferrous metal production n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
114
Calculate.
Exists? Hg input

Source category: Production of other minerals and
5.3 materials with mercury impurities
5.3.1 Cement production y 602 361 0 0 120 0 120
5.3.2 Pulp and paper production n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.3.3 Production of lime and light weight aggregates ? 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Source category: Intentional use of mercury in
5.4 industrial processes
5.4.1 Chlor-alkali production with mercury-technology n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.4.2 VCM production with mercury catalyst n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.4.3 Acetaldehyde production with mercury catalyst n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.4.4 Other production of chemicals and polymers with mercury n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Source category: Consumer products with intentional
5.5 use of mercury
5.5.1 Thermometers with mercury y 6171 1234 1851 1234 - 1851 0
5.5.2 Electrical switches and relays with mercury y 5170 1551 0 2068 - 1551 0
5.5.3 Light sources with mercury y 133 40 0 40 - 53 0
5.5.4 Batteries with mercury y 8116 2029 0 2029 - 4058 0
5.5.5 Polyurethane with mercury catalysts y 1108 222 111 443 - 332 0
5.5.6 Biocides and pesticides with mercury ? 0 0 0 0 - 0 0
5.5.7 Paints with mercury ? 0 0 0 0 - 0 0
5.5.6 Pharmaceuticals for human and veterinary uses ? 0 0 0 0 - 0 0
5.5.9 Cosmetics and related products with mercury y 1500 0 1425 75 - 0 0
Source category: Other intentional product/process
5.6 use
115
Calculate.
Exists? Hg input

5.6.1 Dental mercury-amalgam fillings (b y 4623 122 1947 292 219 1022 1022
5.6.2 Manometers and gauges with mercury y 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.6.3 Laboratory chemicals and equipment with mercury y 1847 0 609 0 0 609 628
Mercury metal use in religious rituals and folklore
5.6.4 medicine n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Miscellaneous product uses, mercury metal uses, and
5.6.5 other sources y 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Source category: Production of recycled metals
5.7 ("secondary" metal production)
5.7.1 Production of recycled mercury ("secondary production”) n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.7.2 Production of recycled ferrous metals (iron and steel) ? 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.7.3 Production of other recycled metals n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.8 Source category: Waste incineration*3 0
5.8.1 Incineration of municipal/general waste n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.8.2 Incineration of hazardous waste n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.8.3 Incineration of medical waste y 60 60 0 0 0 0 0
5.8.4 Sewage sludge incineration n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.8.5 Informal waste burning y 9750 9750 0 0 0 0 0
Source category: Waste deposition/landfilling and
5.9 waste water treatment
5.9.1 Controlled landfills/deposits*3 n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5.9.2 Diffuse disposal under some control - 0 - - - - - -

5.9.3 Informal local disposal of industrial production waste n 0 0 0 0 - - -
116
Calculate.
Exists? Hg input

5.9.4 Informal dumping of general waste*1*3 y 5735 574 574 4588 - - -
5.9.5 Waste water system/treatment*2 y 1386 0 1248 0 0 83 55
5.10 Source category: Crematoria and Cemeteries 0
5.10.1 Crematoria/cremation n 0 0 0 0 - 0 0
1801.5
5.10.2 Cemeteries y 1802 0 0 2 - 0 0
9560,3472
SUM OF QUANTIFIED INPUTS AND RELEASES *1*2*3*4 58501 22431 6892 24858 1089,400551 78 1826
Notes: *1 Includes production of cement, pulp and paper, lime and light weight aggregates. *2 Includes dental amalgam fillings, manometers and gauges,
lab chemicals and equipment, Hg use in religious rituals and folklore medicine, and miscellaneous product uses. *3: The estimated quantities include
mercury in products which has also been accounted for under each product category. To avoid double counting, the release to land from informal
dumping of general waste has been subtracted automatically in the TOTALS. *4: The estimated input and release to water include mercury amounts
which have also been accounted for under each source category. To avoid double counting, releases to water from waste water system/treatment have
been subtracted automatically in the TOTAL
117
Table 0-3 Identification of mercury release sources in the country; sources present (Y),
absent (N), and possible but not positively identified (?).
Cat. Source presence

Source category
no. (y/n/?)
5.1 Main category - Extraction and use of fuels/energy sources Y
5.1.1 Coal combustion in large power plants N
5.1.2 Other coal combustion N
5.1.3 Extraction, refining and use of mineral oil Y
5.1.4 Extraction, refining and use of natural gas N
5.1.5 Extraction and use of other fossil fuels N
5.1.6 Biomass fired power and heat production Y
5.1.7 Geothermal power production ?
5.2 Main category - Primary (virgin) metal production Y
5.2.1 Primary extraction and processing of mercury N
5.2.2 Gold and silver extraction with the mercury-amalgamation process N
5.2.3 Zinc extraction and initial processing N
5.2.4 Copper extraction and initial processing N
5.2.5 Lead extraction and initial processing N
5.2.6 Gold extraction and initial processing by other processes than mercury amalgamation Y
5.2.7 Aluminum extraction and initial processing N
5.2.8 Extraction and processing of other non-ferrous metals N
5.2.9 Primary ferrous metal production N
5.3 Main category - Production of other minerals and materials with mercury impurities Y
5.3.1 Cement production Y
5.3.2 Pulp and paper production N
5.3.3 Lime production and light weight aggregate kilns ?
5.3.4 Others minerals and materials N
5.4 Main category – Intentional use of mercury as an auxiliary material in industrial processes N
5.4.1 Chlor-alkali production with mercury-technology N
118
Source category
no. (y/n/?)
5.4.2 VCM (vinyl-chloride-monomer) production with mercury-dichloride (HgCl2) as catalyst N
5.4.3 Acetaldehyde production with mercury-sulphate (HgSO4) as catalyst N
5.4.4 Other production of chemicals and polymers with mercury compounds as catalysts N
5.5 Main category - Consumer products with intentional use of mercury Y
5.5.1 Thermometers with mercury Y
5.5.2 Electrical and electronic switches, contacts and relays with mercury Y
5.5.3 Light sources with mercury Y
5.5.4 Batteries containing mercury Y
5.5.6 Biocides and pesticides ?
5.5.7 Paints ?
5.5.8 Pharmaceuticals for human and veterinary uses ?
5.5.8 Cosmetics and related products Y
5.6 Main category - Other intentional products/process uses Y
5.6.1 Dental mercury-amalgam fillings Y
5.6.2 Manometers and gauges Y
5.6.3 Laboratory chemicals and equipment Y
5.6.4 Mercury metal use in religious rituals and folklore medicine N
5.6.5 Miscellaneous product uses, mercury metal uses and other sources ?
5.7 Main category - Production of recycled metals N
5.7.1 Production of recycled mercury ("secondary production) N
5.7.2 Production of recycled ferrous metals (iron and steel) ?
5.7.3 Production of other recycled metals N
5.8 Main category – Waste incineration Y
5.8.1 Incineration of municipal/ general waste N
5.8.2 Incineration of hazardous waste N
5.8.3 Incineration of medical waste Y
5.8.4 Sewage sludge incineration N
119
Source category
no. (y/n/?)
5.8.5 Informal waste burning Y
5.9 Main category - Waste deposition/landfilling and waste water treatment
5.9.1 Controlled landfills/deposits N
5.9.2 Diffuse deposition under some control N
5.9.3 Informal local deposition of industrial production waste N
5.9.4 Informal dumping of general waste Y
5.9.5 Waste water system/treatment Y
5.10 Main category - Cremation and cemeteries Y
5.10.1 Crematoria N
5.10.2 Cemeteries Y
Main category - Potential hot spots N
Closed/abandoned chlor-alkali production sites N
Other sites of former chemical production where mercury compounds are/were produced
(pesticides, biocides, pigments etc.), or mercury or compounds were used as catalysts N
(VCM/PVC etc.)
Closed production sites for manufacturing of thermometers, switches, batteries and other
N
products
Closed pulp and paper manufacturing sites (with internal chlor-alkali production or former use of
N
mercury-based slimicides)
Tailings/residue deposits from mercury mining N
Tailings/residue deposits from artisanal and large scale gold mining ?
Tailings/residue deposits from other non-ferrous metal extraction N
Sites of relevant accidents ?
Dredging of sediments N
Sites of discarded district heating controls (and other fluid controls) using mercury pressure
N
valves
Sites of previous recycling of mercury ("secondary" mercury production) N
120
Useful Resources
§ Minamata Convention Website:
http://www.mercuryconvention.org/
§ Minamata Convention Text
http://www.mercuryconvention.org/Convention/tabid/3426/Default.aspx
§ Materials developed by the interim secretariat of the Minamata Convention
http://www.mercuryconvention.org/AwarenessRaising/Resources/tabid/3873/D
efault.aspx
• Becoming a Party to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (FACT SHEET)
• Minamata Convention on Mercury at a glance (FACT SHEET)
• Overview of the negotiations process (PPT)
• Overview of the Minamata Convention on Mercury (PPT)
• Provision of the Convention on financial and technical support (PPT)
• Practical steps of the ratification, acceptance, approval or accession
processes and notifications under the Minamata Convention (PPT)
§ Toolkit for Identification and Quantification of Mercury Releases

(UNEP)http://www.unep.org/chemicalsandwaste/Metals/MercuryPublications/
GuidanceTrainingMaterialToolkits/MercuryToolkit/tabid/4566/language/en-
US/Default.aspx
§ MercuryLearn Platform (UNITAR/UNEP)
http://mercurylearn.unitar.org/
§ List of Country Mercury Release Inventories
(UNEP)http://www.unep.org/chemicalsandwaste/hazardoussubstances/Mercur
y/Informationmaterials/ReleaseInventories/tabid/79332/Default.aspx
§ Checklist of legal authorities to implement Minamata Convention on Mercury
[Natural Resources Defense Council - NRDC]
http://docs.nrdc.org/international/files/int_15101301a.pdf
§ Minamata Convention on Mercury - Ratification and Implementation
Manual[Zero Mercury Working Group, Natural Resources Defense Council, Ban
Toxics]
http://www.zeromercury.org/phocadownload/Developments_at_UNEP_level/m
inamatamanual_eng_january%202015%20final.pdf
§ Guidance for identifying populations at risk from mercury exposure
(WHO/UNEP)http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/risk-mercury-
exposure/en/
§ Developing a National Action Plan to Reduce, and Where Feasible, Eliminate
Mercury Use in Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Mining (UNEP, 2015)
HTTP://WWW.UNEP.ORG/CHEMICALSANDWASTE/NATIONALACTIONPLAN/TABI
D/53985/DEFAULT.ASPX
§ Chemicals Management: The why and how of mainstreaming gender (UNDP,
121
2007) http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/librarypage/environment-
energy/chemicals_management/chemicals-management-the-why-and-how-of-
mainstreaming-gender.html
§ Draft guidance on identification of individual stocks of mercury or mercury
compounds exceeding 50 metric tons, as well as sources of mercury supply
generating stocks exceeding 10 metric tons per year
http://www.mercuryconvention.org/Portals/11/documents/meetings/inc7/Engli
sh/7_4_e_stock.pdf
122

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Mercury Initial Assessment Report

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

National governments, with funding provided by the GEF and technical

A MIA project provides an opportunity for a country to undertake a mercury

FDRE – Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

MIA – Mercury Initial Assessment

ERCA- Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority

MOFEC- Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation

MoWIE – Ministry of Water. Irrigation and Electric

EPA- Environmental Protection Agency

COP Conference of Parties

EEU Ethiopia Electric Utility

EEPCO Ethiopia Electric Power Corporation

METEC Metals Engineering Corporations

METEC-EPEI Metals Engineering Corporation –Ethiopia Power Engineering

MEFCC Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

HEPP Hydro Electric Power Plants

NGOs Non- Governmental Organizations

NIP National Implementation Plan

PCBs Polychlorinated biphenyls

POPs Persistent Organic Pollutants

Ethiopia is undertaking this Mercury Initial Assessment to foresee the extent of

H.E Rd. Gemedo Dalle

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ministry of Environment, Forest

H.E Mr. Kare Chawicha

Mercury is a toxic, naturally occurring heavy metal. It occurs in three forms,

The Minamata Convention on Mercury, adopted in October 2013 in Japan, seeks

1. Mercury supply sources and trade (Art. 3);

1.Financial resources and mechanism (Art.13);

1.1 Country profile

Ethiopia is neither a heavy user nor a producer of mercury chemicals. The

1.1.1 Geography and population

Scientific studies on the environmental behaviour of chemicals revealed that

The country is characterized largely by high flat-topped plateaus and mountain

1.1.2 Political, legal and economic profile

Ethiopia adopted a federal system with parliamentarian form of government

1.1.3 Profiles of economic sectors

Sector Base year (2009/10) Average1 (2010/11-2013/14)

The aforementioned trend of growth is expected to remain strong in the coming

1.1.4 Environmental overview

The impact of soil erosion is considerable particularly in the highlands of the

Ethiopia's is rich in biodiversity. However, it has been affected by a number of

2.1 Identified hot-spots of Mercury Contamination (Contaminated Sites)

There are no confirmed hot-spots of mercury contamination in Ethiopia. There

Ethiopia is, according to the available information, unique as a country with

2.2 Data and inventory on Extraction and Use of Fuels/Energy

2.2.2 Mineral Oils Extraction, Refining and Use

2011/12 134,761.19 535,304.32 1,206,215.70 36,492.03 107,963.90 208,298

Items LPG Gasolin Jet Diesel/ Light Heavy petroleu Kerosene

Table 3: Mineral Oil Consumption in Tons

Mineral Oil Use, Refining and

Ethiopia’s energy sector is highly dependent on biomass (firewood, charcoal,

Ethiopia is still heavily dependent on charcoal for domestic energy consumption,

2.3.1 Gold (and Siver) Extraction with Mercury Amalgamation Processes

2.4 Data and inventory on intentional Use of Mercury in Industrial Processes

In Ethiopia there is no domestic production of chemicals, which involves

2.5.1 Cement Production Without Co-Incineration of Wastes

In Ethiopia cement production and consumption has been showing an increasing

There are no activities related to the intentional use of mercury in industrial

Beside information on thermometers, battery containing mercury and light