Major Events in the Magnesium Industry in 2024

1. National and Local Governments Intensively Issue Policies Related to Magnesium to Support High-Quality Development of the Magnesium Industry In 2024, the State Council, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) issued multiple policies to support the green and high-end development of the magnesium industry. Regions such as Shaanxi and Anhui introduced specialized supporting policies to promote the clustering and large-scale development of the magnesium industry. 1.1 National Policies On May 16, MIIT released the "National Recommended Catalog of Energy-Saving and Carbon Reduction Technologies and Equipment in the Industrial and Information Technology Fields (2024 Edition)," which included magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage technology. On May 31, the Energy Conservation and Comprehensive Utilization Department of MIIT issued the "National Application Guide and Case Studies of Industrial Energy-Saving and Carbon Reduction Technologies (2024 Edition)," which featured "magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage and transportation technology" in the section on hydrogen production and utilization technologies. On May 29, the State Council issued the "Energy-Saving and Carbon Reduction Action Plan for 2024-2025," proposing the rational layout of new capacity in the magnesium industry, the promotion of advanced technologies such as vertical reduction magnesium smelting, and the acceleration of energy-saving and carbon reduction transformations in the non-ferrous metals industry. On September 2, MIIT released the "Guidance Catalog for the Promotion and Application of Major Technical Equipment (First Set) (2024 Edition)," which included wide-width magnesium alloy plate and strip rolling mills and ultra-large cold chamber die-casting machines. On November 27, the NDRC issued the "Encouraged Industries Catalog for the Western Region (2025 Edition)," where multiple provincial-level administrative regions added encouraged industries related to magnesium development to varying degrees. On December 12, MIIT organized the qualification review for the first batch of new material insurance compensation in 2024 for producers of products listed in the "Guidance Catalog for the First Batch of Key New Materials Application Demonstration (2024 Edition)." The products included casting magnesium alloys for producing large thin-walled complex structural lightweight alloy investment precision castings, high-performance magnesium alloy complex profiles, and high-performance flame-retardant magnesium alloy extrusion materials. 1.2 Local Supporting Policies On January 12, the Anhui Provincial Development and Reform Commission issued the "Several Measures to Promote the High-Quality Development of the Magnesium-Based New Materials Industry," supporting leading enterprises in forming innovation consortia with upstream and downstream enterprises, universities, and research institutes. The measures emphasized market-driven and application-oriented collaborative breakthroughs in the industry chain, focusing on key core technologies such as low-cost high-purity magnesium purification and the development and preparation of new high-strength and tough magnesium-based materials, promoting the application of magnesium-based new materials in NEVs and new-type solid-state energy storage. On November 4, the Anhui Provincial Manufacturing Strong Province Construction Leading Group issued the "Implementation Plan for Promoting the High-Quality Development of the Magnesium-Based Materials Industry," proposing to consolidate material advantages, expand and strengthen deep processing, and broaden product application fields, aiming to build a domestically leading and globally advanced magnesium-based materials production, application, and innovation base. On January 24, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, implemented the "Several Policy Measures to Support the Development of the Semi-Coke and Magnesium Metal Industries." The measures indicated that Yulin would promote the integration and restructuring of the magnesium industry, guide the construction of large-scale key enterprises with capacities of 100,000 mt, 200,000 mt, and 300,000 mt for primary magnesium and magnesium alloy smelting, and build a new modern magnesium industry cluster. On February 7, Hami City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, issued the "Several Policies to Support Industrial Cluster Development in Hami City (Interim)," supporting investment projects that align with national, autonomous region, and Hami City industrial policies, as well as the "Eight Major Industries" of the autonomous region and the "Six Major Industries" of Hami City, and are included in fixed asset statistics during the effective period, including the magnesium-based materials processing and manufacturing industry. On July 10, Hebi City, Henan Province, issued the "Implementation Plan for Accelerating the Breakthrough of 'Six New' in Manufacturing in Hebi City," proposing to accelerate the transformation and upgrading of the magnesium-based new materials industry, build a magnesium industry ecosystem, leverage the advantages of high-performance magnesium alloy R&D and processing, accelerate the transformation of scientific and technological achievements in magnesium-based new materials, actively participate in industry standard formulation, and promote the expansion of magnesium alloy application scenarios. 2. Fully Leverage Industry Leadership, Build Cooperation and Exchange Platforms, and Promote Sustainable and Healthy Development of the Magnesium Industry The Magnesium Branch of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association conducted a series of industry activities throughout the year, focusing on green and low-carbon development, technological innovation, standard leadership, industry-finance integration, and application promotion, effectively driving the transformation, upgrading, and sustainable development of the magnesium industry. 2.1 2024 National Magnesium Industry Conference and the 27th Annual Meeting of the Magnesium Branch Held in Xi'an, Shaanxi From October 15 to 17, the 2024 National Magnesium Industry Conference and the 27th Annual Meeting of the Magnesium Branch were held in Xi'an, Shaanxi, with strong support from the local government and enthusiastic response from the industry. Over 1,000 participants attended, and representatives engaged in comprehensive and in-depth discussions and exchanges on hot topics such as smelting, processing, application, equipment, standards, and carbon emissions, receiving widespread recognition. The conference also hosted the first Magnesium Industry Frontier Scientific Research Forum and the fourth Magnesium Battery and Key Materials Symposium. 2.2 2024 Magnesium-Based New Materials High-Quality Development Conference Held in Chizhou On May 14, the Magnesium Branch, in collaboration with the Chizhou Municipal People's Government, held the 2024 Magnesium-Based New Materials High-Quality Development Conference. Experts and scholars delivered insightful reports on the high-quality development of the magnesium industry and the R&D and application of magnesium product technologies. Over 200 representatives from production, trade, end-use applications, investment, and technology sectors of the magnesium industry chain attended, contributing to the development of Chizhou's magnesium industry. The conference also held the 2024 Magnesium-Titanium Industry Collaborative High-Quality Development Symposium. 2.3 2024 Magnesium Futures Listing Cultivation and Market Seminar Held in Yuncheng From December 9 to 10, the 2024 Magnesium Futures Listing Cultivation and Market Seminar was held in Yuncheng, Shanxi Province. The seminar focused on the listing of magnesium futures, futures serving the real economy, and the development trends of the magnesium industry, effectively promoting the understanding of the magnesium industry and market conditions among futures company practitioners and investors, further clarifying the design ideas for magnesium futures contracts, and strongly advancing the listing process of magnesium futures. During the meeting, leaders of major domestic magnesium smelting enterprises held a symposium, conducting in-depth analysis of the current supply and demand situation in the primary magnesium market, reaching a consensus on market stabilization, and proposing measures such as production cuts, acquisition and storage, exploration of guidance price mechanisms, and the establishment of quotation and trading platforms. 3. Launch of Efforts to Build the World's Most Influential Magnesium Industry Cluster The Magnesium Branch of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association and the Fugu County People's Government jointly carried out a series of activities to promote the upgrading of the magnesium industry in the Fugu region from the perspectives of green and low-carbon development, magnesium-titanium collaboration, and equipment development, comprehensively advancing the optimization and energy level enhancement of the magnesium industry structure in Fugu, and striving to build a new highland for a globally competitive magnesium industry cluster. 3.1 Seminar on Building the World's Most Influential Magnesium Industry Cluster Held in Beijing On May 30, the Seminar on Building the World's Most Influential Magnesium Industry Cluster, hosted by the Nonferrous Metals Technology and Economic Research Institute Co., Ltd. and the Fugu County People's Government, and organized by the Magnesium Branch of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association, the Fugu County Industry and Commerce Bureau, and the Fugu County Magnesium Industry Association, was held in Beijing. The seminar featured a signing ceremony for cooperation agreements, including the "Strategic Cooperation Agreement for the Green and Low-Carbon High-Quality Development of Fugu Magnesium Smelting Industry," the "Strategic Cooperation Agreement for the High-Quality Development of Magnesium-Titanium Industry Collaboration," and the "Strategic Cooperation Agreement for the Joint Promotion of Magnesium-Based Materials Application through the Linkage of Magnesium Industry and Magnesium Alloy Equipment Manufacturing Industry." 3.2 Launch Meeting for the Strategic Cooperation on Green and Low-Carbon High-Quality Development of Fugu Magnesium Industry Held On June 14, the Launch Meeting for the Strategic Cooperation on Green and Low-Carbon High-Quality Development of Fugu Magnesium Industry was held in Fugu County. The meeting featured special presentations on the compilation of the "Strategic Plan for the Green and Low-Carbon High-Quality Development of Fugu Magnesium Industry 2024-2028," the "Evaluation Requirements for Green Factories in the Magnesium Smelting Industry," and the "Planning Scheme for the Construction of Fugu Magnesium Industry Standard System," as well as research on carbon emission accounting in the magnesium industry and the construction of a carbon footprint platform for magnesium smelting products. Experts and enterprise representatives exchanged views on the strategic cooperation for the green and low-carbon high-quality development of Fugu's magnesium smelting industry. The meeting also included a magnesium smelting automation seminar and a training session on the construction of the magnesium smelting standard system. 3.3 Symposium on the Collaborative High-Quality Development of Magnesium-Titanium Industry Held in Fugu On November 22, the Symposium on the Collaborative High-Quality Development of Magnesium-Titanium Industry was held in Fugu County. During the symposium, representatives listened to reports from relevant leaders on the development of the titanium and magnesium industries, the development of Fugu's metal magnesium, and magnesium-titanium collaboration. Subsequently, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the collaborative high-quality development of the magnesium-titanium industry. 4. Central and State-Owned Enterprises Continue to Increase Investment in the Magnesium Industry, Injecting Strong Momentum into Industry Development Baowu Magnesium's multiple key projects are progressing smoothly. Central and state-owned enterprises such as Chalco, Minmetals, Shaanxi Nonferrous Metals, Wuchan Zhongda, and Yulin Energy are continuously increasing strategic investments in magnesium resource development, new material preparation, and downstream applications, which will strongly drive industry development. 4.1 China's Largest Rotary Kiln Starts Production in Chaohu Yunhai On January 18, China's largest rotary kiln started production at Chaohu Yunhai Magnesium Co., Ltd. The rotary kiln, with a diameter of 5.8 meters and a length of 80 meters, involved an investment of over 100 million yuan and can produce 1,350 mt of calcined dolomite daily. This project is a crucial part of Chaohu Yunhai's annual 100,000 mt magnesium-based lightweight alloy project, providing raw material security for the company's large-scale development. 4.2 Anhui Baowu Light Alloy Project Achieves Significant Progress On September 5, the supporting project of the Anhui Baowu Light Alloy Project—the mineral product transportation corridor project—saw the full completion of four mountain tunnels. The mineral product transportation corridor serves as an important channel for ore raw material transportation and is a safe, environmentally friendly, green, and efficient "green transportation corridor." It not only effectively reduces traffic pressure caused by traditional vehicle transportation but also lowers dust and exhaust emissions, helping industry enterprises explore new paths for green transformation. On December 26, Anhui Baowu held the full-line completion ceremony for the steel structure of the mineral product transportation corridor project and the single-machine debugging ceremony for the Tongbu section, laying a solid foundation for the full completion and operation of the corridor project in the first half of 2025. 4.3 Chalco Hebi Magnesium-Based New Materials Project Signed On August 28, the signing ceremony for the Chalco Hebi Magnesium-Based New Materials Project was held at the Hebi Yingbin Garden. Hebi Municipal Party Secretary Zhao Hongyu, Mayor Li Ke, municipal leaders Wang Zehua, Li Xiaoli, and Hu Hongjun attended the event. Zhang Jianye, Party Secretary and Executive Director of Zhongzhou Aluminum, Chen Kaibin, Party Secretary and Chairman of Zhengzhou Research Institute, Sun Tiecheng, Deputy General Manager of Zhongzhou Aluminum, and leaders from relevant units and departments witnessed the moment.4. Minmetals Injects Capital into Salt Lake Co., Ltd. to Build a World-Class Salt Lake Industry Base On December 27, China Salt Lake Industry (controlled by Minmetals) signed the "Equity Transfer Agreement" with Qinghai Guotou, the controlling shareholder of Qinghai Salt Lake Co., Ltd., and its concerted party Wuhu Xinzeqing. After the completion of this equity change, Qinghai Guotou and Wuhu Xinzeqing will no longer hold shares in the company. China Salt Lake Industry will hold 681,288,695 shares, accounting for 12.54% of the company's total shares as of the signing date of the transfer agreement. China Salt Lake Industry will become the controlling shareholder of Salt Lake Co., Ltd., and Minmetals will become the actual controller of the company. 5. Shaanxi Nonferrous Metals Commits to Building a Globally Leading Magnesium-Based Materials Industry Innovation Cluster According to the "Action Plan for Cultivating a 100-Billion-Level Aluminum-Magnesium Lightweight Materials Industry Innovation Cluster in Shaanxi Province" released by the Shaanxi Provincial Development and Reform Commission, Shaanxi Nonferrous Metals Group actively responded, committing to building a globally leading magnesium-based materials industry innovation cluster by 2030. To this end, Shaanxi Nonferrous proposed the main business positioning and doubling plan of "Material and Equipment Advancement, High-End and Green," promoting the deep integration of innovation, industry, capital, and talent chains through the rolling implementation of the "Four Batches" of scientific and technological innovation projects, and constructing a full life cycle scientific and technological innovation ecosystem. Currently, the group is accelerating the implementation or demonstration of key projects such as the 100,000 mt aluminum-magnesium alloy deep processing project, which will enhance the company's future development momentum and inject vitality. 6. Wuchan Zhongda Lightweight Layout Gains Momentum Wuchan Zhongda Industrial Investment completed the acquisition of Shunfu Precision Technology Co., Ltd. through the transfer of old shares and capital increase. With this, Wuchan Zhongda Industrial Investment has laid out the upstream resource end and mid-to-downstream product end, laying a solid foundation for the future integration of the "magnesium" industry ecosystem. 7. Yulin Energy Group Continues to Increase Investment in the Magnesium Industry On June 3, Xue Weidong, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of Yulin Energy Group, led a team to have a discussion with Wu Jing, Deputy Secretary of the Fugu County Party Committee and County Mayor. Both sides had in-depth discussions on the development, R&D, sales, and platform construction of the metal magnesium industry. On October 26, the large-scale electric heating pot magnesium smelting technology pilot project organized and implemented by Yulin Energy Research Institute successfully produced magnesium, with the main indicators meeting the expected targets. The successful implementation of this project marks a key technological breakthrough in the metal magnesium smelting process for Yulin Energy Group. V. Key Product Applications Achieve Major Breakthroughs, Expected to Drive Industry Scale Expansion Key technological breakthroughs have been made in traditional advantageous fields of magnesium metal materials such as automotive lightweighting and 3C, and batch applications in leading enterprises have been realized, which are of great significance for the scale enhancement of the magnesium industry. 1. Henan Dewei Technology Co., Ltd. Achieves Batch Export of Forged Magnesium Alloy Automotive Wheel Hubs Henan Dewei has achieved stable batch supply of forged magnesium alloy wheel hubs. In 2024, magnesium alloy automotive wheel hubs were shipped to the US and Germany, successfully applied to the latest two high-end car models of Ford in the US and the Golf GTI model of Volkswagen in Germany, and completed wheel hub testing customized for Maserati and Aston Martin, further consolidating its position in the high-end automotive parts market in Europe and America. 2. High-Brightness Stainless Magnesium Alloy Material Successfully Applied in Lenovo Laptops High-brightness stainless magnesium is a major innovation achievement from the strategic cooperation project between Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Lenovo Group. With the collaboration of Lenovo Group, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and core partners in the industry chain, a series of technical challenges such as material preparation, part forming, high-gloss treatment, process anti-corrosion, and exquisite coating were overcome. High-brightness stainless magnesium was successfully applied in the Lenovo ThinkBook 2024 AI laptop, marking the first commercial application of this material in the industry. The product was released at CES in the US on January 9, 2024, and launched in April, winning the 2024 International Magnesium Association Deformation Processing Product Award and the Fast Company Future Technology Award. VI. New Products and Applications Continue to Emerge, Expanding the Application Fields of Magnesium Achievements in the development and processing of magnesium materials have blossomed in multiple areas, paving the way for the application of magnesium in strategic fields such as medical, aerospace, robotics, and high-speed rail, fully leveraging the unique advantages of magnesium alloys such as biocompatibility, specific strength, and damping performance, laying a solid foundation for expanding high-end application markets. 1. Degradable Magnesium Alloy Clinical Applications Achieve Multiple Progresses On June 30, the world's first "Degradable Magnesium Alloy Skull Fixation System" officially launched a multi-center clinical trial. This is the second medical magnesium alloy orthopedic product developed by the team of Academician Ding Wenjiang and Professor Yuan Guangyin from the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, following the launch of the multi-center clinical trial for the magnesium alloy fracture internal fixation screw product at the end of 2023. This product currently has comprehensive performance at the domestic leading and international advanced level, expected to fill the gap in the field of craniocerebral surgical materials worldwide, bringing good news to patients undergoing craniocerebral surgery. In September, the self-developed absorbable magnesium alloy bone screw by Suzhou Innocare Medical Technology Co., Ltd. completed clinical trial enrollment. This product is the first controllable degradable magnesium alloy trauma orthopedic product in China to complete clinical enrollment. The completion of this clinical enrollment means that the controllable degradable magnesium alloy bone screw is officially moving towards a new stage of clinical application in trauma orthopedics, marking a milestone in the commercialization process of controllable degradable magnesium alloy implants, and indicating that China's medical magnesium alloy orthopedic implant devices have reached international advanced levels. In November, the controllable degradable magnesium alloy bone screw was awarded the Breakthrough Device (FDABDD) qualification by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), making it the first degradable magnesium alloy trauma orthopedic product in China to pass this certification. 2. Magnesium Alloy Components Successfully Applied in China's Key Aerospace Missions At 17:27 on May 3, the "SJTU Siyuan II (ICUBE-Q)" lunar exploration satellite developed by Shanghai Jiao Tong University was successfully launched alongside the Chang'e-6 lunar mission. Facing the challenge of space corrosion, Professor Zeng Xiaoqin's team at Shanghai Jiao Tong University innovatively developed stainless magnesium alloy, which features lightweight, high strength, corrosion resistance, and electromagnetic shielding. The electronic control box shell made of stainless magnesium alloy is 30% lighter than traditional aluminum alloy, while also possessing excellent high-energy particle absorption and anti-atomic oxygen corrosion capabilities, effectively ensuring the long-term safe service of the satellite's electronic system, marking the first application of high-performance lightweight magnesium alloy in China's satellite electronic control system. On November 15, the Long March 7 Yao 9 carrier rocket carrying the Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in China. Multiple large magnesium alloy components developed by Professor Dong Jie's team at the National Engineering Research Center for Light Alloy Precision Forming at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, led by Academician Ding Wenjiang, and the large-scale complex structure functional integrated magnesium alloy adapter components developed by Professor Chen Xianhua's team at Chongqing University, led by Academician Pan Fusheng, were successfully applied in this Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft. 3. Regal Metal's High-Performance Magnesium Alloy Successfully Applied in the "Land Aircraft Carrier" X3 Flying Car On September 3, XPeng Huitian held an advanced tasting event for the "Land Aircraft Carrier" flying car, where the split-type flying car "Land Aircraft Carrier" made its first appearance in Guangzhou. The electric drive, electronic control, and instrument panel brackets of the "Land Aircraft Carrier" X3 adopted high-performance magnesium alloy produced by Regal Metal. Compared with the conventional AZ91D grade, the performance of this magnesium alloy has been significantly improved; compared with aluminum alloy, the magnesium alloy components are 33% lighter, further reducing the weight of the fuselage while improving performance, enhancing the driving range of the "Land Aircraft Carrier" X3. 4. Baowu Magnesium Industry Collaborates with Estun to Launch Magnesium Alloy Robot On December 20, at the 2024 World Intelligent Manufacturing Conference, Baowu Magnesium Industry and Estun released the new magnesium alloy robot "ER4-550-MI." This robot combines Baowu Magnesium Industry's deep technical accumulation in magnesium alloy materials and Estun's innovative achievements in robot technology. Its lightweight design is 11% lighter than the aluminum alloy version, not only improving the beat speed by 5% but also excelling in shock absorption, electromagnetic shielding, and heat dissipation due to the material's characteristics, enhancing stability. At the same time, energy consumption is reduced by 10%, significantly improving operational efficiency. 5. The Second Batch of Magnesium Alloy Lightweight Trailers Completed Registration and Entered Commercial Operation The second batch of magnesium alloy lightweight trailers jointly developed by the Shaanxi Magnesium-Based New Materials Engineering Research Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University and Shaanxi Automobile Group Proton Automotive Technology Co., Ltd. and other partners successfully passed the strict inspection of the Vehicle Management Office in late December and completed the registration process. These trailers safely arrived in Fugu County, Yulin City on the 22nd and have been fully prepared, officially delivered to the cooperative transportation company. 6. The World's Fastest CR450 Train Arrives, Using New Materials Such as Magnesium Alloy On December 29, the CR450 EMU prototype was officially released in Beijing. The test speed of this EMU can reach 450 km/h, and the operating speed can reach 400 km/h. The CR450 EMU adopts new materials such as carbon fiber composites and magnesium alloy, and applies topology optimization technology. The whole vehicle of the CR450 EMU is more than 10% lighter than before. VII. Magnesium Alloy Semi-Solid Process Becomes a New Hotspot in Industry R&D and Application The R&D of magnesium alloy semi-solid process and equipment has attracted widespread attention in the industry. Core equipment has achieved industrial application, and related technologies have achieved significant results in the production of automobiles, 3C, and consumer goods. 1. Yizumi's 3,200T Semi-Solid Magnesium Alloy Injection Molding Machine Successfully Delivered In March, the 3,200T semi-solid magnesium alloy injection molding machine designed, developed, and produced by Yizumi was successfully delivered to customers for the production of high-precision automotive parts, promoting the large-scale application of magnesium alloy in the field of automotive lightweighting. In July, Yizumi signed a strategic cooperation agreement with customers again to jointly develop a 5,000T semi-solid magnesium alloy injection molding machine, exploring more possibilities of magnesium alloy forming technology, marking a step towards a higher level and deeper field for both parties. 2. Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Borche Intelligent Successfully Develop the World's Largest 4,000T Magnesium Alloy Semi-Solid Injection Molding Machine On April 20, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Borche Intelligent released the world's largest 4,000T magnesium alloy semi-solid injection molding machine. The 4,000T ultra-large magnesium alloy semi-solid injection molding machine released this time is the largest in terms of injection tonnage and injection volume among similar equipment in the world, with a theoretical injection volume of up to 17KG, changing the status quo that semi-solid magnesium alloy injection molding machines are basically only used for the production of small and medium-sized structural parts in industries such as 3C and communication, making the preparation of large and ultra-large magnesium alloy automotive parts possible, and is expected to set off a wave of replacing aluminum with magnesium in NEV parts, further lightweighting.3. LK Group Launches TPI Magnesium Alloy Semi-Solid Die Casting Technology On July 10, LK Group introduced an innovative technology—TPI magnesium alloy semi-solid thixotropic casting technology. The toughness of magnesium alloy products produced by semi-solid casting increased by 20%. This technology is entirely driven by electricity, eliminating the need for protective gases, thereby contributing to a more environmentally friendly and safer manufacturing process. It not only reduces production costs but also enhances the company's environmental image and social responsibility. The technology can significantly reduce energy consumption by up to 50% and enables rapid switching between semi-solid magnesium alloy and cold chamber die casting. 4. Successful Trial Production of Magnesium Alloy Semi-Solid Shock Tower In August, Great Wall Motor, Baoding Jinggong Mould, Baosteel Metal, and Haitian Zhisheng Metal collaborated to successfully trial-produce a magnesium alloy shock tower at Haitian Zhisheng Metal's Global Application Center using the HMG3000 magnesium alloy injection molding machine. The part was well-formed, with no defects such as pores or cold shuts after inspection. The trial production adopted the semi-solid injection molding process, further reducing product porosity and improving tensile, fatigue, impact, and corrosion resistance, while also being more low-carbon and environmentally friendly (no SF6 gas used). 5. Baowu Magnesium and Suzhou Inovance Jointly Release Lightweight Magnesium Alloy Electric Drive Assembly On July 3, at the China International Aluminum Industry Exhibition, Baowu Magnesium and Suzhou Inovance Joint Power System Co., Ltd. jointly released a globally leading lightweight magnesium alloy product—the magnesium alloy lightweight electric drive assembly. The weight of this product is reduced by 2.5 kg to 7 kg compared to traditional aluminum alloy structures. It achieves multi-functional integrated molding, reducing the number of components, which not only lowers manufacturing, assembly, and material management costs but also significantly improves the overall durability of the system. 6. SAIC Releases the World's First Mass-Produced Semi-Solid Process Magnesium Alloy Electric Drive Housing On November 29, SAIC's Innovation R&D Institute held a technology release event for the magnesium alloy electric drive housing, unveiling the second-generation electric drive assembly's magnesium alloy housing and the integrated electric drive assembly equipped with it. This product is the world's first mass-produced magnesium alloy electric drive housing based on the semi-solid process, with a total weight of 13.7 kg and made of AZ91D magnesium alloy. The semi-solid process addresses the challenges of magnesium alloy processing, enhances material performance, enables large-scale mass production, and sets a new benchmark for lightweight and green manufacturing in the NEV industry. 7. Baowu Magnesium's Boao Magnesium-Aluminum and Haitian Zhisheng Metal Successfully Trial-Produce Magnesium Alloy Semi-Solid Instrument Panel Crossbeam In November, Chongqing Boao Magnesium-Aluminum Metal Manufacturing Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Baowu Magnesium, and Ningbo Haitian Zhisheng Metal Molding Equipment Co., Ltd. collaborated again to successfully trial-produce a small batch of magnesium alloy semi-solid instrument panel crossbeam brackets (CCB) using Haitian Zhisheng's latest HMG3600 magnesium alloy injection molding machine. The trial-produced CCB is over 1.4 meters long, with a single injection volume of 6.1 kg and a product weight of 3.8 kg. Compared to traditional steel pipe welding, it achieves a weight reduction of over 50%, with significant lightweighting effects. The production process eliminates melting, making it more low-carbon and environmentally friendly, further meeting market demands for large-size, high-quality magnesium alloy products. 8. World's First 3000T Magnesium Alloy Semi-Solid Dual-Shot Injection Molding Machine Officially Put into Production On December 28, Huafu Technology held a production commencement ceremony for its Maanshan Phase IV project (Huazhong Precision Technology (Maanshan) Co., Ltd.'s NEV Light Metal Parts Production Site) and the world's first 3000T magnesium alloy semi-solid dual-shot injection molding machine. The machine uses dual screws to simultaneously melt magnesium alloy raw materials, with a melting capacity twice that of a single barrel, exceeding 10 kg. It reduces energy consumption by over 20% and improves efficiency by more than 30%. It can simultaneously produce two sets of car dual-screen display brackets and housings (CID) or triple-screen CID in a "one mold, two cavities" configuration, demonstrating significant advantages in forming car front crossbeam brackets (CCB). Additionally, the machine does not use a melting furnace or SF6 protective gas, achieving efficiency improvements and energy-saving, environmentally friendly goals, embodying Huafu Technology's "green manufacturing" philosophy. 9. Eontec's Magnesium Alloy Semi-Solid Injection Molding Technology Applicable to AR Glasses Eontec's magnesium alloy semi-solid injection molding technology can be applied to AR glasses manufacturing. The use of magnesium alloy semi-solid forming technology in consumer electronics structural components provides lighter, more refined, and more durable parts, enhancing product competitiveness and user experience. 8. Magnesium-Based Solid-State Hydrogen Storage Leads Innovation Frontier, Remaining Industry Focus The maturity of magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage continues to improve, with key performance indicators constantly optimized and demonstration applications rapidly advancing, showcasing tremendous industrialisation prospects. 1. Baowu Magnesium and Hydrogen Maple Energy Sign Strategic Cooperation Agreement On January 12, Shanghai Hydrogen Maple Energy Technology Co., Ltd. and Baowu Magnesium Technology Co., Ltd. held a strategic cooperation signing ceremony for magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage. The two parties focused on magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage technology and its applications, accelerating the industrialisation of this technology, effectively alleviating hydrogen storage and transportation challenges, and becoming a key solution to break through the technical and cost bottlenecks of hydrogen storage and transportation. 2. Jiangsu Huamei Era's Hundred-Ton Magnesium-Based Solid-State Hydrogen Storage Material Production Line Successfully Tested in China On September 10, Jiangsu Huamei Era Technology Co., Ltd. made significant progress in its magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage project—the world's first hundred-ton magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage material production line successfully completed its first trial production in China. This production line, currently the world's largest in capacity, was introduced from France in 2023, with an annual production capacity of 100 tons of magnesium hydride. 3. Magnesium-Based Solid-State Hydrogen Storage and Key Materials Industry Alliance Officially Established From September 21 to 22, the first Magnesium-Based Solid-State Hydrogen Storage and Key Materials Seminar was held in Chizhou. During the event, the Magnesium-Based Solid-State Hydrogen Storage and Key Materials Industry Alliance was officially established. The alliance was jointly initiated by research institutes, universities, and enterprises engaged in magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage and key materials research, with the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association Magnesium Branch as the guiding unit, the China Nonferrous Metals Information Industry Center as the chairman unit, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Chongqing University, Zhejiang University, China Research Institute of Nonferrous Metals, and Chongqing New-Type Energy Storage Materials and Equipment Research Institute as vice-chairman units. The secretariat is located at Anhui Baowu Light Alloy Co., Ltd. 4. Hefei Magnesium Hydrogen Materials and Products Innovation Center Settles in Chaohu On November 1, the signing event for the Hefei Magnesium Hydrogen Materials and Products Innovation Center was held in Hefei. This event marked a new chapter in the deep cooperation between Chaohu City and the academician team led by Ding Wenjiang, jointly building an innovative R&D institution under the academician team cooperation model. 5. World's First Large-Scale Magnesium-Based Solid-State Hydrogen Storage Tank Successfully Exported On November 18, the world's first large-scale solid-state hydrogen storage equipment was shipped from Waigaoqiao Phase IV Terminal. The magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage tank, which stores hydrogen in solid form through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and magnesium alloy, is the world's first large-scale solid-state hydrogen storage device. It features high hydrogen storage density, safety, and economic convenience, effectively promoting long-distance, large-scale hydrogen export transportation in China, achieving a major breakthrough in solving long-distance, large-scale hydrogen transportation issues, and significantly advancing the large-scale application of hydrogen in various vertical fields and the overall development of the hydrogen energy industry. 9. Deep Integration of Technology and Industry, Enhancing Industry Core Competitiveness The deep integration of technological innovation and industrial practice has driven industry enterprises to achieve significant results in key technology breakthroughs and product quality improvements, successfully earning multiple honors such as manufacturing single champion, demonstrating leading positions and core competitiveness in niche fields. 1. Manufacturing Single Champion Enterprises On May 14, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released the eighth batch of manufacturing single champion enterprises and the second and fifth batches of manufacturing single champion enterprises that passed the review. Weifang Wanfeng Magnesium Technology Development Co., Ltd. was selected for the eighth batch, while Baowu Magnesium Technology Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Leadway Technology Co., Ltd. passed the fifth batch review. 2. Specialized and Sophisticated "Little Giant" Enterprises On June 21, the MIIT website released the "Public Notice on the Performance Evaluation Results of the First Year of the Second Batch and the First Year of the Third Batch of Financial Support for Specialized and Sophisticated Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises." Weifang Wanfeng Magnesium Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Chongqing Boao Magnesium-Aluminum Metal Manufacturing Co., Ltd. were listed as recommended for continued support in the specialized and sophisticated "Little Giant" enterprises (third batch, second year). 3. MIIT and SASAC 2024 Key Products and Processes "One Dragon" Application Plan Directions and Promoting Institutions In December, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission announced the 2024 key products and processes "One Dragon" application plan directions and promoting institutions. The "Development and Application Project of Complex and Large Magnesium Alloy Castings for NEV Body Large Complex Thin-Wall Integrated Die-Cast Magnesium Alloy Structural Parts Direction," led by Chongqing Boao Magnesium-Aluminum Metal Manufacturing Co., Ltd., was successfully selected, marking a new breakthrough in China's NEV lightweight technology and injecting new vitality into the rapid development of the NEV industry. 4. National Manufacturing Transformation and Upgrade Fund Excellent Investment Enterprise Award On December 19, the National Manufacturing Transformation and Upgrade Fund Co., Ltd. held an investment ecosystem conference in Suzhou titled "Building a First-Class National Fund, Promoting New Industrialization." At the event, Baowu Magnesium Technology Co., Ltd. was awarded the "Excellent Investment Enterprise" award by the National Manufacturing Transformation and Upgrade Fund. 5. 2024 Smart Manufacturing System Solution "Unveiling and Commanding" Projects On December 30, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the State Administration for Market Regulation announced the 2024 Smart Manufacturing System Solution "Unveiling and Commanding" project list.The "Automotive Industry's Ultra-Large Integrated Intelligent Die-Casting Solution Based on Multimodal Perception" project by Shenzhen Lingwei Technology Co., Ltd. was listed. On November 26-29, the "2024 Asian International Innovation Invention Awards and Exhibition" was grandly held at the Shenzhen International Convention and Exhibition Center. The patent technology project "Rare Earth Magnesium Alloy and Its Preparation Method Meeting the Civil Aviation Administration's Flame Retardant Test Standards" by the Kerry Group won the Gold Award of the "2024 Asian International Innovation Invention Awards" presented by the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FITMI). In December, the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association and the China Nonferrous Metals Society announced the winners of the 2024 Nonferrous Metals Industry Science and Technology Awards: the "Research on Key Technology Standards for Advanced Structural and Functional Materials in the Nonferrous Metals Field" completed by the Nonferrous Metals Technology and Economic Research Institute Co., Ltd. and other units won the first prize, and the "Development and Application of Multi-Polar Magnesium Electrolysis Cell Technology Based on Titanium-Magnesium Joint Production Process" project completed by the Guiyang Aluminum and Magnesium Design Institute and other units won the second prize. In June, the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association, in collaboration with the National Energy Conservation Center, released the top ten "Green and Low-Carbon Advanced Applicable Technologies in the Nonferrous Metals Industry," among which the "Large Vertical Furnace Bottom Slag Double Regenerative Reduction Technology" was included. The standard system for the magnesium industry has been continuously improved, supporting the transformation and upgrading of the magnesium industry. The construction of the magnesium industry standard system has made new progress, with several magnesium standards implemented within the year, achieving progress in key areas such as product quality grading, process equipment, and green production, providing important support for the high-end, intelligent, and green transformation of the magnesium industry. On May 30, the Magnesium Branch and the Fugu County People's Government signed a strategic cooperation agreement, proposing the "Fugu County Magnesium Industry Standard System Construction Plan," further improving the magnesium smelting standard system. The construction and improvement of the magnesium smelting standard system will further regulate the development of the magnesium smelting industry and promote its upgrading. In October, Bai Yanxia, member of the Standing Committee of the Fugu County Committee and Deputy County Magistrate, released key task information on the construction of the magnesium industry standard system at the Magnesium Industry Conference. The national standard "Primary Magnesium Ingot" GB/T 3499-2023 was officially released on December 28, 2023, and will be implemented from July 1, 2024. The group standard "Gas Production Equipment for Magnesium Smelting Part 1: Semi-Coke Furnace" was officially implemented on March 1, 2024. This standard comprehensively regulates the design, manufacturing, installation, acceptance, operation, and maintenance of semi-coke furnaces, filling the gap in the standard for gas production equipment in the magnesium smelting field in China. The promotion and application of this standard will further promote the technological progress and industrial upgrading of magnesium smelting, providing strong support for the development of the magnesium industry in China. The "Energy Consumption Limits per Unit Product of Silicon Metal and Magnesium," "Green Factory Evaluation Requirements for Magnesium and Magnesium Alloy Sheet and Strip Industry," and "Green Factory Evaluation Requirements for Magnesium Smelting Industry" were officially implemented on October 1, 2024.

SMM

Major Events in the Magnesium Industry in 2024

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