South Korea has joined the global accord to limit mercury emissions under its commitment to fighting climate change.

Environment Minister Yoon Seong-kyu signed the Minamata Convention on Mercury at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Thursday, the ministry said. The treaty was adopted by Japan last October.

The signing means that Korea will actively coordinate with major economies to protect citizens and the environment worldwide from the harmful element, ministry officials said.

The treaty seeks an end to mercury use in thermometers and batteries, and limitations on the transport of gadgets containing it. It put off a decision about artisanal gold mining, where the metal is deployed in small-scale operations.

“It has implications for coal-fired power plants, among the most serious contributors to mercury pollution, as well as cement factories,” said a ministry official.

The ministry predicts that it would take effect in 2016 at the earliest, following ratification by at least 50 countries. According to the U.N. Environment Program, 115 countries will eventually sign the convention.

Progress on mercury use restriction had been blocked by the previous Bush administration in the U.S., but Barack Obama’s election win in 2008 allowed the negotiations to proceed. Coal reportedly provides over one-third of U.S. electricity.

Mercury causes neurological and brain problems, damages the heart and kidneys, and causes Minamata disease. It is far more prevalent in the modern environment, especially in water and fish, than before the industrial revolution.

By Kim Yon-se (kys@heraldcorp.com)