Over 450 participants representing governments, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations took part in the seventh session of the intergovernmental negotiating committee on mercury (INC7) which concluded its work on 15 March 2016 at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center in Jordan after six days of meeting. INC7 was preceded by regional consultations on 9 March 2016.

Successful outcomes have been achieved at this important session to prepare for the entry into force of the Convention, with agreement reached on a number of significant issues which will be considered for adoption by the Conference of Parties at its first meeting. In particular, guidance materials have been adopted on a provisional basis on a number of technical issues, such as on best available techniques and best environmental practices for emissions of mercury, on the identification of stocks and sources of mercury supply as well as on completing the forms required under Article 3. Agreement was also reached on the use of guidance on the development of national action plans on artisanal and small-scale gold mining by countries in developing their national action plans. Good progress was generally made on all areas including the financial mechanism of the Convention as well as administrative matters.

Documents prepared for INC7 can be accessed on the INC7 webpage, where the session’s report and final list of participants will also be posted as soon as finalized. The daily coverage and summary report by Earth Negotiations Bulletin are available on the IISD webpage at: www.iisd.ca/mercury/inc7/