Magnesium
The lightest structural metal, magnesium sheds mass in die-cast EV parts and tunes ductility in aluminium sheet. >80 % of primary metal is still produced via China’s energy-intensive Pidgeon process, making carbon cost and geopolitical concentration the twin risks. Europe and North America are piloting inert-anode, carbothermic and scrap-loop routes aimed at halving CO₂ per tonne and localising supply before 2030.
Supply Dynamics
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China supplies >80 % via coal-fired Pidgeon kilns; winter power rationing drives price spikes.
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European projects (e.g., Verde Magnesium, Bosnia’s MFE) target first green metal by 2027.
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U.S./EU R&D on carbothermic and inert-anode tech aims to cut energy 30–40 %.
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Post-consumer die-cast scrap recycling in the EU/US now meets ~15 % of regional demand.
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Trade-remedy duties and CBAM-type levies could reshape flow patterns this decade.
Demand Dynamics
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Aluminium-sheet alloying for beverage cans and extrusion remains the largest single use.
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Automotive and consumer-electronics die-casting grows with lightweighting and 800 V EV platforms.
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Iron and steelmakers rely on Mg for desulfurisation; demand tracks hot-metal output.
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R&D into Mg-based hydrogen carriers and stationary-storage alloys provides upside option value.
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Substitution risk in transport hinges on price spreads versus aluminium and carbon-fibre.