Technological Innovation Reshapes the Global Magnesium Industry: Green Production and High-End Applications Advance in Parallel [SMM Survey]

US Firm Magrathea Accelerates Local Magnesium Supply Chain Deployment with Capital and Channels

US emerging magnesium producer Magrathea recently entered into a strategic partnership with global metal trader Wogen (UK), securing $10 million in working capital support and global distribution channels from the latter. This move follows the establishment of a joint venture named "Arkansas Magnesium" with TETRA Technologies in November 2025, aiming to integrate production, capital, and market resources to accelerate the development of a domestic magnesium supply chain in the US. Magrathea employs next-generation electrolysis technology to extract magnesium from brine and has obtained non-binding purchase intentions for nearly 200,000 mt, including from Detroit automakers. This series of collaborations highlights that, against the backdrop of the US designating magnesium as a critical mineral and seeking to "de-China" its supply chain, private capital is driving local alternative capacity from the laboratory to commercialization through technology alliances and pre-sales models, with an expected annual supply capability of 7,000 mt by 2029.

Canadian Indigenous Mineral Project Introduces Revolutionary Magnesium Smelting Technology, Targeting 98% Emission Reduction for North American Supply Chain Autonomy

Manitoba-based Minago Development recently signed an exclusive technology licensing agreement with Big Blue Technologies (BBT) to apply its advanced aluminothermic reduction (ATR) magnesium extraction process within Canada. The technology claims to be the most cost- and energy-efficient magnesium smelting solution currently available, reducing carbon emissions by up to 98% compared to traditional processes, and potentially achieving negative carbon emissions if combined with carbon capture technology in the future.

Minago plans to apply this technology to approximately 111 million mt of dolomite (containing about 12% magnesium) overlying its nickel/platinum group metal deposit, enabling synergistic magnesium production within existing mining activities without requiring additional mining or generating scrap. This initiative aims to establish Manitoba as Canada's primary magnesium production hub, breaking North America's current complete reliance on imports from China. The project is wholly owned by the Norway House Cree Nation and seeks to create employment, break the cycle of poverty through resource development, and establish a new paradigm for a secure, low-carbon critical mineral supply chain in Canada.

Chinese E-Drive Producer CES Debut with Magnesium Alloy E-Drive Products, Lightweight Innovation Empowers Global EV Supply Chain

At the 2026 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Chinese e-drive system supplier InfiMotion made its debut, launching several innovative e-drive products utilizing magnesium/magnesium-aluminum alloys, showcasing its global innovation capabilities in high-voltage platforms and material lightweighting. Among them, a high-performance magnesium-aluminum alloy dual-motor system achieved a power density of 3.1 kW/kg and is already in mass production for models like the Galaxy M9; another 900V coaxial dual e-drive, using a magnesium alloy housing, achieved a 30% weight reduction and a breakthrough power density of 5.69 kW/kg, with its deep oil-cooling technology ensuring sustained high-performance output. Through material innovation and highly integrated systems, the company provides solutions for global mainstream and luxury automotive brands, signifying that China's intelligent manufacturing is deeply participating in and reshaping the global supply chain landscape of high-end EVs with lightweight and high-efficiency technologies.