Peru Facing Trade Sanctions Over Mercury Contamination in Nanay River Basin
Peru faces potential trade sanctions after the Andean Community ruled against the country for failing to address mercury contamination in the Nanay River basin. A coalition of Indigenous and rural communities filed a complaint, leading to an urgent order for Peru to reform its laws and seize mining equipment.
Hair samples from the affected area revealed alarmingly high mercury levels, far exceeding World Health Organization safety limits. Mercury, widely used in gold mining, poses significant health risks, particularly to children and pregnant women. The Andean Community has given Peru 20 working days to comply or face trade sanctions.
Illegal gold mining, driven by high global demand and prices, has spread across the Amazon. Peru's government, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Justice and Human Rights, and potentially the Ministry of Environment, must implement reforms to curb this issue. Despite previous crackdowns on illegal mercury, enforcement remains inconsistent and corrupt networks allow the trade to persist.
The Andean Community's decision could set a precedent for other countries grappling with similar mercury contamination issues. Peru must now swiftly comply with the ruling to avoid trade sanctions and protect the health of its citizens, particularly those living in the affected areas.
