Magnesium is the eighth most abundant metal in the earth’s crust and is found in over 60 minerals. Dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2) and magnesite (MgCO3) are currently the two most commercially attractive sources for magnesium production. The current dominant route for magnesium production is via the Pidgeon process, an energy intensive pyrometallurgical route that produces high greenhouse gas emissions. In this process dolomite or magnesite concentrates are calcined. The resulting magnesium oxide is then reduced with silicon in a high temperature retort. Magnesium gas is recovered then subsequently cooled to produce magnesium metal. Magnesium is also produced via the electrolysis of magnesium chloride from brine or seawater, since seawater is the second most abundant cation after sodium.
Magnesium is the third most commonly used structural metal following iron and aluminium. It is used as an alloying element, in die casting, steel desulphurisation and in the production of titanium. It is extensively used in the aircraft and automotive industry due to its alloying properties of producing used in super strong, lightweight aluminium alloys
Range of Capabilities:
- Metallurgical testplans
- Project management
- Metallurgical summary reports
- Flowsheets
- Mass balances
- P&IDs
- Vendor evaluation
- Project implementation
- Engineering studies
- Environmental studies
- Process description/Equipment lists
- Detailed design
Please send through your enquiry today via email to info@metsengineering.com and we will call you to discuss your project.
Project Experience:
| Client | Project | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Crest Magnesium | Confidential | Due Diligence |
| Batchelor | Confidential | Scoping Study |
| Coalagy | Confidential | Testwork to Recover Magnesium |
| SAMAG | Confidential | Project Review for Finance |
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Mineral Processing Course
We offer a course that gives participants in-depth knowledge of the broader aspects of mineral processing. A wide range of topics is covered and participants will gain an understanding of the fundamental unit processes, equipment and flowsheets as well as physical and chemical mineral processing principles. Read more about our course here.