The Minamata Convention on Mercury was adopted on October 10th 2013 to address the effects and risks that mercury poses to human health and the environment. According to article 7 of the Minamata Convention, countries must take steps to reduce, and where feasible eliminate, the use of mercury and mercury compounds in, and the emissions and releases to the environment of mercury from, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). To do so, the Minamata Convention requires the development and implementation of National Action Plans (NAPs) specific to the ASGM sector. Countries that have ratified the Convention and that have notified the secretariat that ASGM is more than insignificant within their territories are required to submit NAPs setting out national baselines and objectives within three years. In addition, countries are required to provide updates on progress made in relation to reducing mercury use in ASGM every three years.