Programme: Global elimination of mercury in non-ferrous metals initiative (GEMINI)

Lead agency: UNIDO

Programme partners: UNDP, UNEP and UNIDO

Total number of supported countries: 6

UNDP supported countries: India and Mexico

Financing (UNDP-supported countries):  

• GEF: US$ 28.3 million
• Co-financing: US$ 180 million 

Programme duration: January 2026 – December 2031 

Programme overview

Mercury emissions from the processing of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) such as copper, aluminum and zinc are responsible for approximately 15% of global mercury emissions (Global Mercury Assessment report, 2018).  

With the digitalization and the clean energy and mobility transition, the demand for such non-ferrous metals has increased significantly over the past few years and is expected to continue to grow rapidly to meet demand of various sectors (e.g. automotive, aerospace, healthcare, defense, electronics, construction, and manufacturing).  

One of the key supply challenges is whether required volumes can be supplied from clean and responsible sources, highlighting the urgency to ensure that such metals are processed and recycled, but without releasing mercury to the atmosphere.

The GEF GEMINI programme helps industries and countries implement innovative practices and demonstrate technologies to ensure a mercury free supply of nonferrous metals.

The GEMINI programme encompasses the following components:

• National policy and regulatory coherence to ensure and sustain mercury-free nonferrous metal production and supply.
• Increase access to finance and enhance financial instruments that support investments in sustainable nonferrous metal production.
• Enhance the uptake of mercury-free technologies and practices in nonferrous metal production by demonstrating alternative practices, technologies, and sustainable business models.
• Increase access to knowledge and best practices to disseminate and scale-up best practices and raise awareness. 

Anticipated impact: The two UNDP supported projects will combined reduce the emission of 23.7 tons of mercury from zinc, copper, and lead industrial refinement processes and benefit approximately 50,000 workers in this value chain, through training and awareness raising and most importantly reduced levels of mercury in the work environment. In addition, more than 1.5 million people living in proximity to these industries will benefit from cleaner air and reduced pollution.