Uruguay faces pressure over delayed mercury phase-out for industrial production

Uruguay is under scrutiny for its slow progress in phasing out mercury use, a commitment made under the international Minamata Convention. The nation's failure to meet environmental deadlines is causing diplomatic friction and raising concerns among industry stakeholders.

The company Efice, a primary producer of soda cáustica, relies on mercury in its manufacturing process. Since Uruguay ratified the convention in 2013, Efice has been obligated to transition to mercury-free technology. However, the company has repeatedly missed conversion deadlines, first mandated in 2016 and with a final target of December 31, 2025, for complete elimination.

Efice sought another 12-month extension in 2023, following a four-year extension granted in 2021. These delays have not gone unnoticed internationally. The U.S. embassy in Uruguay has expressed concerns to the government, highlighting the negative impact on Alliance, a U.S.-based competitor that operates without mercury.

The situation also worries Efice's labor union, which fears potential plant closures and widespread job losses if the company fails to comply. The government, led by the Ministry of Environment, is navigating these pressures while trying to ensure compliance with the convention.

This ongoing issue underscores Uruguay's challenge in balancing industrial needs with international environmental obligations. The repeated delays suggest significant hurdles in Efice's technological conversion, prompting international partners to closely monitor Uruguay's commitment to the Minamata Convention.