Refining & Grade Specs

Magnesium Refining Methods and Grade Specifications

The transformation of Magnesium concentrate into refined products suitable for industrial use requires specialized metallurgical and chemical processes. Magnesium is refined into 4 primary commercial forms, each serving specific end-use sectors.

Refining Processes

The primary refining and processing pathways for Magnesium include:

1. Pidgeon process (silicothermic reduction)
2. Dow electrolytic process (seawater)
3. Continuous refining and alloying

Product Forms and Grade Specifications

Refined Magnesium is available in the following commercial forms, each with specific purity requirements:

Quality Standards and Benchmarks

International standards for Magnesium products are established by organizations such as ASTM International and various national standards bodies. Pricing is referenced against Asian Metals/Fastmarkets assessments. These standards define minimum purity levels, acceptable impurity limits, and testing methodologies that facilitate international trade.

Refining Capacity and Geography

Global refining capacity for Magnesium is concentrated in a limited number of countries. China controls approximately 85% of primary production and plays a significant role in downstream refining. Efforts to diversify refining capacity are a key priority for governments seeking to reduce supply chain dependencies, particularly in the aluminum alloy production sector.