According to USGS, about 1.1 million tonnes of primary magnesium metal were produced worldwide in 2025. China produced 950,000 tonnes, followed by Russia (60,000), Brazil (20,000), Israel (20,000), Türkiye (15,000) and Kazakhstan (13,000).
Where is it used?
In 2025, 69% of primary magnesium consumed in the United States went into castings, mainly automotive, 15% into aluminium alloys and 9% into desulphurising iron and steel. Being a structural metal lighter than aluminium, magnesium plays an important role in reducing vehicle weight.
How it relates to magnesite
Magnesium metal is mostly produced by reducing dolomite with the silicothermic (Pidgeon) process or by electrolysis of magnesium chloride. Magnesia (MgO) made from magnesite is used mainly in refractories, agriculture, environmental applications and chemicals. In other words, magnesite and magnesium metal are different value chains of the same element.
Europe’s concern
When energy restrictions in China tightened magnesium supply in 2021, Europe’s aluminium industry faced serious supply concerns. The EU now lists magnesium as a critical raw material. According to USGS, European magnesium prices in 2025 averaged about 13% below 2024.
Source: USGS, Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026 – Magnesium Metal.
