29 April 2014: The UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has launched a new partnership with Japanese mercury waste processor Nomura Kohsan Company. UNIDO will work with the company to develop and test pilot projects on mercury waste management in fluorescent lamps and batteries.According to UNIDO, the partnership aims to provide opportunities for stakeholders to increase their technical capacity in assessing, managing and reducing the risks to human health and the environment posed by mercury and mercury-containing waste.

UNIDO said the partnership may also assist in the development of mercury storage solutions. Storage solutions are necessary as mercury is a chemical element that cannot be destroyed. As such, when the Minamata Convention on Mercury comes into force, quantities of mercury will require safe storage using stabilization methodologies. [UNIDO Press Release]