Shenzhen, 7 September 2026— Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and his delegation visited GEM's Shenzhen headquarters on April 16 for a tour and discussions on critical mineral recycling, the treatment of retired power batteries and the development of a global circular economy system.

As the global energy transition accelerates and challenges facing critical mineral supply chains continue to grow, GEM has expanded its strategic cooperation with UNIDO to promote responsible mineral development, advanced recycling technologies, industrial talent cultivation, and greater international coordination across the critical minerals value chain.

▲ A warm welcome to UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller and his delegation at GEM

GEM Chairman Xu Kaihua received Müller and his delegation during the visit, which included a tour of the company's Circular Economy Exhibition Center and an in-depth discussion on key issues surrounding the sustainable development of critical minerals. The two sides exchanged views on critical mineral recycling, the treatment of retired power batteries, the development of global circular economy systems, overseas industrial park development and international talent cultivation.

The discussions resulted in preliminary consensus on several areas of potential cooperation and reflected both sides' commitment to strengthening international collaboration in support of a safer, more stable, green and low-carbon critical minerals industry.

Chairman Xu outlined the company's efforts to build a comprehensive critical mineral recycling system and develop what it describes as an “urban mining” system.

Responding to Müller's questions about regulations governing the recycling of retired power batteries and solutions for large-scale battery disposal, Chairman Xu said China has established regulatory frameworks to support the standardised treatment and efficient recycling of retired batteries.

According to GEM, the company has established power battery recycling and disposal facilities across China and developed designated recycling partnerships with more than 1,100 vehicle manufacturers and power battery enterprises across the global supply chain.

Müller recognised GEM's contributions to the development of the circular economy and its efforts to advance resource recycling.

▲ UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller and his delegation tour the Circular Economy Exhibition Center

During the discussion, Chairman Xu thanked UNIDO for its support for Chinese enterprises and the development of China's circular economy. He said GEM was willing to work with relevant UN organisations to promote the continued improvement of global systems for recycling critical metal resources.

Müller described GEM as “a pioneer and pathfinder in the circular economy” and said environmental protection and resource sustainability require greater international cooperation. He added that UNIDO was willing to deepen cooperation with GEM and support the global promotion of relevant technologies and industrial models.

The two sides also exchanged views on cooperation related to GEM's overseas International Green Industrial Park (IGIP) and international talent development initiatives.

▲ GEM-UNIDO discussion and exchange meeting

Müller's visit to GEM was also featured on several UNIDO platforms, including its official website, LinkedIn account and WeChat public account. UNIDO said the visit formed part of its engagement with leading high-tech enterprises in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to advance business cooperation and support green and digital industrial transformation.

According to UNIDO, such cooperation can help validate innovative technologies, strengthen skills development and promote local industrial value addition, creating opportunities for both developing countries and technology enterprises.

▲ Text and video coverage on UNIDO's official website and LinkedIn account

The visit further strengthened the strategic cooperative relationship between GEM and UNIDO. It highlighted potential areas for collaboration in critical mineral recycling, global circular economy systems, overseas industrial park development, and international talent cultivation.

Looking ahead, GEM said it would continue to deepen its cooperation with UNIDO and draw on its experience in critical mineral recycling and green industrial development to support more resilient, green and sustainable global critical mineral supply chains and contribute to the global energy transition.