National Assessment Report on Mercury in Cambodia

In October 2013, Cambodia endorsed the Minamata Implementation Plan for UNEP Global Mercury, aiming to guide mercury management. However, the country lacks a dedicated institution for hazardous substance management. Various ministries, such as Environment, Agriculture, Health, and Commerce, collaborate to oversee mercury, each with specific responsibilities. In 2007, with UNEP support, Cambodia studied mercury releases, estimating annual emissions from 769.51 Kg to 14845.178 Kg. Main sources included intentional use in consumer products (8485.362 Kg), waste disposal (4665.56 Kg), and gold extraction (1182 Kg). Some sources like electrical devices and pharmaceuticals were unaccounted for. Illegal small-scale mining poses risks due to inadequate equipment. Limited data availability by province hampers understanding the connection between mercury exposure and cancer in Cambodia.