Magnesium for Europe has made several key steps towards the development of green magnesium metal production in Europe. 

In June 2024, Magnesium for Europe (MFE) completed its industrial-scale production tests using a 40Mt dolomite sample from its Kupres mine in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The results confirmed the suitability of the dolomite resource using MFE’s aluminothermic reduction process technology to produce magnesium metal and alloys, along with other products. The company also initiated its environmental and social impact assessment reports (ESIA), aiming to get approval from the Ministry of Environment by September 2024. MFE is currently developing its magnesium metal project, which will have a capacity of 15ktpy of magnesium metal, with construction planned for 2025 and first production by 2027. MFE is also planning a renewable energy source with help from its wind developer shareholder that will power the facility and support a low-carbon footprint product.  

Magnesium metal demand is forecast to increase by roughly 400kt over the next decade, driven by its use in both the aluminium and die-casting industries. Europe currently relies on imports of magnesium metal from China, which produces almost 90% of the global supply. However, the production of magnesium metal in China is associated with high energy costs and high carbon emissions, while energy security and environmental policy in China may also add further risk to global supply. The successful development of MFE’s magnesium metal project can therefore support European demand growth over the next decade. Additionally, the combination of a low-carbon product can also allow for the decarbonisation of the magnesium metal industry, positioning MFE as a strategic player in the European magnesium supply chain.