Inventory of Mercury Releases in South Africa

This document provides a situational analysis and national inventory of mercury sources, uses, emissions, and environmental impacts in South Africa, aligned with UNEP's global mercury reduction efforts. It identifies key anthropogenic sources of mercury releases—including coal combustion, primary metal production, and waste management—and quantifies their contributions to air, water, land, and waste streams using the UNEP Toolkit Level 1 mass balance methodology. The study highlights major exposure pathways, including dental amalgams, skin-lightening cosmetics, crematoria, and informal waste dumping, and pinpoints vulnerable populations. It presents extensive data, identifies significant gaps in national monitoring, and recommends actionable interventions such as product substitution, end-of-pipe controls, emission reduction technologies, and targeted awareness campaigns. Additionally, the report reviews international and national legislation and institutional responses, proposing mechanisms for tracking, mitigation, and coordinated action. The findings aim to support South Africa’s participation in international mercury negotiations.