Domestic production and use

1. In 2005, magnesium was formed by one company in Utah by an electrolytic process that improved magnesium from brines from the Great Salt Lake. Structural uses of magnesium were the leading use for primary magnesium, accounting for 59% of apparent consumption.
2. Magnesium used as a element of aluminum-base alloys that were used for packaging, transportation, and other applications accounted for 28% of primary metal use. Desulfurization of iron and steel accounted for 7% of U.S. consumption of primary metal, and other uses were 6%.

Recycling

In 2005, about 20,000 tons of the secondary production was recovered from old scrap.

Substitutes

Aluminum and zinc may substitute for magnesium in castings and wrought products. For iron and steel desulfurization, calcium carbide may be used instead of magnesium.

World Resources

Mining

Metals

Minerals

Precious Stones