Global Magnesium Ore Development Trends: Exploration Breakthroughs, Technological Innovations, and ESG Challenges [SMM Survey]

This week, the global magnesium metal production and construction sector exhibited diversified development trends:

Exploration Breakthrough at Australia's Mulga Tank Project: Western Mining Co., Ltd. Discovers Extensive High-Magnesium Oxide Rock Layers

Recently, Western Mining Group (ASX: WMG) achieved significant exploration progress at the Mulga Tank Project in the Eastern Goldfields region of Western Australia. Drill hole MTD030 (total depth: 708.6 meters) intersected a 530-meter-thick high-magnesium oxide olivine cumulate layer, which directly confirms the presence of premium magnesium ore geological conditions in the project area due to its magnesium-bearing mineral olivine. This discovery lays the foundation for magnesium resource reserve evaluation and development. As an enterprise focused on Western Australian gold deposits and magmatic nickel sulphide ore, this finding marks Western Mining's expansion into the magnesium sector. The project has now entered its fourth phase, with reverse circulation and diamond drilling planned to further study the distribution, content, and reserves of the high-magnesium oxide rock layers. Drilling equipment has been deployed to the western edge of the geological complex for diamond tailings excavation from preliminary drill holes, with the potential for further magnesium resource development.

EU's Sole Strategic Magnesium Metal Project Achieves Technological Breakthrough: High-Purity Low-Carbon Magnesium Metal Plan Finalized

The EU's only strategic magnesium metal project, Verde Magnesium, recently made a major breakthrough. Utilizing brucite ore from Budureasa, Romania, the project successfully produced 99.9% pure magnesium metal through an innovative process, with a carbon footprint of only 1-3 mt CO₂/mt during production. The process also yields byproducts such as aluminum-magnesium spinel and calcium aluminate, which contribute to carbon reduction in other industries. Verde Magnesium is steadily advancing its follow-up plans, with a pilot smelter of 500 mt annual capacity expected to be completed by the end of 2026, expanding to 30,000 mt/year by 2030. Comprehensive environmental assessments have been initiated to ensure compliance with relevant standards, and product pre-certification processes are underway with Tier 1 EU automotive suppliers. The project has attracted significant interest from EU automakers and is poised to play a key role in lightweight automotive material supply, helping reduce the EU's reliance on imported magnesium and promoting sustainable regional magnesium industry development.

Bosnia's Kupres Magnesium Plant Construction Faces Opposition from Local Residents

BH Magnezij & Minerali d.o.o. plans to construct a magnesium plant in the mountainous town of Kupres, Bosnia, involving dolomite mining and magnesium processing. Local opposition has emerged from the Stozer Mountain Ecology Association, the "Kupres Youth" organization, and numerous residents through protest marches. Concerns include potential pollution of the Kupres Plateau, surrounding towns, and the Adriatic watershed's soil, air, and water resources, with impacts spanning generations and downstream areas. Locals advocate for tourism and agriculture as nature-compatible industries rather than resource-destructive activities. The annual dolomite mining concession fee is only 1,300 Bosnian Marks, with the company not paying local taxes. Critics highlight flaws and lack of transparency in the environmental impact study, unverified production technology, and academic skepticism about testing unproven methods in the area, with residents refusing to be a "testing ground." A petition with 4,308 signatures demands termination of the quarry concession contract and opposition to the plant construction.