EU chlorine industry welcomes mercury export ban

26 September 2008 16:47  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (ICIS news)--European chlor-alkali industry group Euro Chlor on Friday welcomed a ban on mercury exports from the EU, calling it a win-win situation for both industry and the environment.

 

The export ban, which comes into effect in March 2011, means all surplus liquid mercury would be removed from decommissioned chlorine plants, transported in approved sealed steel containers and stored in deep underground salt mines.

 

“The chlor-alkali industry has extensive experience in the handling and storage of mercury and welcomes the adopted solution as an environmentally sound option which can be realised at an acceptable cost,” said Euro Chlor in a statement.

 

As part of the new legislation passed on Thursday, the European Commission will develop specific criteria for salt mines for the storage of hazardous waste, preventing damage to the surrounding environment.

 

The use of mercury in chlorine production in the EU is gradually being phased out and replaced with membrane technology.

 

Euro Chlor said the final phase-out would be completed by 2020, with 38% of EU chlorine capacity currently produced using mercury cell technology.

 

Although the EU stopped all forms of mercury mining in 2001, it is the world’s biggest exporter – responsible for up to a quarter of the global mercury supply.

 

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By: Mark Watts
+44 20 8652 3214

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