May 2018
Accident for Magnesium in United States
An explosion and fire at the scrap melting area of a magnesium diecasting plant in Michigan in May 2018 caused significant damage and halted production.
Magnesium trade
Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium Chloride is a significant trade commodity with the World Bank's WITS form name being "Chlorides; of magnesium." It is a white, deliquescent solid with a sour taste produced by combining magnesium oxide or hydroxide with hydrochloric acid. Its primary uses include as a desiccant, refrigeration brine, fireproofing agent, and component in the manufacture of other chemicals. Magnesium Chloride is also used in paper production, textiles, and dyes. Its most significant application is in de-icing and dust contro...
Magnesium Chloride is a significant trade commodity with the World Bank's WITS form name being "Chlorides; of magnesium." It is a white, deliquescent solid with a sour taste produced by combining magnesium oxide or hydroxide with hydrochloric acid.
Its primary uses include as a desiccant, refrigeration brine, fireproofing agent, and component in the manufacture of other chemicals. Magnesium Chloride is also used in paper production, textiles, and dyes. Its most significant application is in de-icing and dust control on roads, preventing ice formation and reducing dust emissions.
Magnesium Chloride is traded in its pure or technically pure form (98% purity) in various grades, including industrial, agricultural, and food-grade, depending on intended use. It can be produced through several methods, with the most common being the chlorine process, involving a reaction between magnesium oxide and hydrochloric acid to produce Magnesium Chloride and water.
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Market intelligence
Relevant Events
May 2018
Processing Shutdown for Magnesium in United States
Production at the Michigan magnesium diecasting plant was temporarily shut down for several months in 2018 while repairs were made following the May accident.
May 2018
Regulatory Change for Magnesium in United States
The U.S. Department of the Interior published a list of 35 critical minerals, including magnesium metal, in May 2018, signaling increased strategic focus on the commodity.
1 Jan 2018
Mine Opening for Magnesium in Australia
Archer Exploration planned to start mining 125,000 t/yr of magnesite in Leigh Creek, South Australia, beginning in 2018.
2018
Processing Shutdown for Magnesium in China
Chinese regulators ordered the shutdown of several magnesium plants using the Pidgeon process in the second half of 2018 to curb pollution and manage energy costs, reducing China’s magnesium production.
2018
Processing Startup for Magnesium in Canada
A Canadian company operated a 200‑ton‑per‑year pilot magnesium plant in Quebec, producing limited amounts from serpentine asbestos tailings, and planned to build a larger 50,000‑ton plant.
31 Dec 2017
Regulatory Change for Magnesium in China
China announced it would eliminate magnesia export limits in 2017, potentially increasing global supply.
1 May 2017
Processing Startup for Magnesium in Canada
A Quebec company began 200‑t/yr pilot production of magnesium from asbestos tailings in May 2017 and plans a 50,000‑t/yr plant.
1 Jan 2017
Processing Expansion for Magnesium in United States
U.S. diecasting firm to add two new production lines at its Mexico, MO facility by 2017 to supply automotive parts.
1 Jan 2017
Processing Shutdown for Magnesium in China
Chinese Pidgeon‑process magnesium plants expected to shut down because of higher energy costs and new environmental regulations.
1 Jan 2017
Processing Startup for Magnesium in China
China completed a 100,000‑t/yr magnesium plant in Qinghai in 2017, set to ramp to full capacity in early 2018.
2017
Processing Startup for Magnesium in China
A new 100,000‑ton‑per‑year magnesium plant in Qinghai Province, China, completed in 2017, began production from lake brines, boosting China’s primary magnesium output.
1 Dec 2016
Processing Shutdown for Magnesium in United States
The sole U.S. primary magnesium electrolytic plant in Utah temporarily shut down capacity at the end‑2016 after its major titanium sponge customer ceased operations, with no restart expected soon.
Dec 2016
Processing Shutdown for Magnesium in United States
Primary magnesium production capacity at the sole U.S. producer was temporarily shut down at the end of 2016 after a major titanium sponge customer ceased operations, reducing overall U.S. magnesium output.
5 Oct 2016
Ownership Change for Magnesium in Austria
RHI AG agreed to acquire Magnesita, creating RHI Magnesita AG, consolidating magnesia refractories production.
1 Oct 2016
Ownership Change for Magnesium in Brazil
Compass Minerals completed the acquisition of Brazilian company Produquimica, expanding its magnesium compound portfolio.
7 Sep 2016
Regulatory Change for Magnesium in United States
US Department of Commerce determined that no magnesia bricks were shipped to the US during the 2014-2015 review period.
6 Sep 2016
Regulatory Change for Magnesium in United States
US Department of Commerce again found no magnesia bricks shipped in the 2014-2015 period.
19 Jul 2016
Regulatory Change for Magnesium in European Union
The EU Trade Commission filed a WTO complaint against China over its export restrictions on magnesia.
13 Jul 2016
Regulatory Change for Magnesium in United States
The United States filed a WTO complaint against China over its export duties on magnesia, challenging trade restrictions.
25 Apr 2016
Regulatory Change for Magnesium in United States
US Department of Commerce assessed a 253.87% countervailing duty on magnesia bricks from Dalian Mayerton and a 24.24% duty on other Chinese producers.
1 Jan 2016
Mine Opening for Magnesium in United States
Olivine Corp. mined olivine at a deposit near Bellingham, Washington, supplying foundry sand.
1 Jan 2016
Processing Expansion for Magnesium in United States
Compass Minerals constructed new solar evaporation ponds near Ogden to boost magnesium chloride and potassium sulfate production.
1 Jan 2016
Processing Shutdown for Magnesium in China
Chinese magnesia producers delayed restarting production after the New Year holiday because demand was weak and prices were low.
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