The Minamata Convention on Mercury is
Adopted in 2013 and entering into force in 2017, it manages the entire lifecycle of mercury—from its extraction and trade to its industrial use, emissions, and final waste disposal. Over 150 nations are parties to the treaty, which is administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The treaty is named after Minamata Bay in Japan. In the mid-20th century, a local chemical factory discharged toxic wastewater heavily contaminated with methylmercury directly into the bay.