Magnesium

The lightest structural metal, essential for aluminum alloys and mostly made in China.

Overview

China produces the large majority of primary magnesium, mainly through the energy intensive Pidgeon process in Shaanxi province, which reduces calcined dolomite with ferrosilicon. The biggest use is as an alloying element in aluminum, especially for beverage cans and automotive sheet, followed by die castings, titanium production and steel desulfurization. In late 2021 Chinese power curbs cut output and prices spiked, alarming European aluminum makers that rely almost entirely on Chinese supply. Magnesium appears on critical raw material lists in the European Union and the United States. Prices are quoted mainly through Chinese domestic and export assessments by reporting agencies.