Prohibited use of mercury in mining activities

The President of the Republic, Nicolas Maduro, signed on Friday a decree with constitutional status that prohibits the use of mercury in all mining related activities in Venezuela.
«I will sign a necessary decree, to absolutely and totally prohibit the use of mercury in all mining related activities in Venezuela», said the Head of State during a meeting with national and foreign investors held at the headquarters of the BCV (Central Bank of Venezuela), in order to boost the Mining Engine of the Bolivarian Economic Agenda.
It is noteworthy that mercury contamination is one of the most important problems of human health and environment in the world. Currently it threatens millions of peoples, because it causes serious illnesses, disability, death and severe social damages, in addition to the irreparable damage to the vital natural resources and essential environmental services.