UN Backs Mercury Emissions Reduction in Mexico’s Mining Sector

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will support Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) in implementing a six-year initiative aimed at reducing mercury emissions from the production of copper, lead and zinc.

Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the project is part of the Global Elimination of Mercury from Non-Ferrous Industries (GEMINI) initiative. It seeks to improve workplace safety and environmental quality near non-ferrous metal production sites by introducing stricter regulations, cleaner technologies and safer industrial practices.

In Mexico, the non-ferrous metals sector is responsible for over 20% of the country’s mercury emissions, totaling 82.2t annually, according to 2023 estimates from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Mercury Toolkit and national data. Mercury, a highly toxic heavy metal, is used in metal extraction processes that emit hazardous gases capable of contaminating air, water and the food chain.

The project aims to reduce national mercury emissions by at least 10%, or approximately 8.2t, through updated regulatory frameworks, targeted investments and the adoption of pollution control technologies. Particular attention will be given to SMEs, which often lack the resources to modernize production systems.

Lorenzo Jiménez, Resident Representative, UNDP Mexico said the initiative aligns with efforts to build safer work environments and cleaner ecosystems. “This project contributes to a more resilient economy in which people and the planet can prosper together,” he said.

Ileana Villalobos, Deputy Minister for Environmental Regulation, SEMARNAT, emphasized the need for sustainable large-scale mining practices supported by robust oversight and cutting-edge technologies. She noted that collaboration with the GEF and UNDP would help raise Mexico’s mining standards to international levels.

Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, CEO and Chairperson, GEF, highlighted the project’s alignment with the Minamata Convention on Mercury. “GEF brings the resources, partnerships and technical expertise needed to eliminate toxic chemicals from our air, water and food,” he said.

While some mining operations in Mexico have adopted sulfuric acid plants and gas scrubbing systems, many others lag due to high capital costs. The GEMINI project will also support monitoring efforts across the value chain and strengthen the capacities of regulatory bodies and laboratories to support more stringent mercury control policies.