The Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment (HUNRE) hosted an Asia-Pacific regional workshop on the reduction of mercury emission from coal combustion on October 31.

Deputy Rector of the Hanoi University of Natural Resources
and Environment Pham Quy Nhan speaks at the workshop
in Hanoi on October 31 (Photo: baotainguyenmoitruong.vn) 

The event provided a forum for scientists, experts and managers from the region to share research outcomes, management experiences and ideas regarding the control of pollutant emissions from the use of coal.

Deputy Rector of the HUNRE Pham Quy Nhan said the event is part of the technical assistance and capacity building programme for countries participating in the Minamata Convention.

The UN Environment Programme has warned that mercury pollution is becoming a global problem. The rapid economic growth in Asia has stimulated the expansion of industries using mercury during production, turning the continent into the biggest source of mercury emissions, accounting for nearly 50 percent of the harmful waste in the world. Coal combustion is one of the main sources of mercury emission, therefore it is urgent to seek specific solutions to this problem.

Participants focused their discussion on the best available technical solutions and best environmental experiences in the field, emission accounting, access to available policy tools and ideas for national-level projects.