Twenty technical sessions will be presented over the course of the three-day event providing a wealth of information for magnesium industry executives. Topics ranging from an overview of the current state of the magnesium industry to magnesium process breakthroughs, applications, and business management issues will be featured. “Eco Magnesium for Magnesium Future” presented by Shae K. Kim of KINTECH highlights a study of the environmental benefits of magnesium by eliminating SF6 emission through a process of adding Calcium Oxide (CaO) to Magnesium alloys, ensuring safety and improving recyclability. “Die Casting for the Future – Economically and Ecologically” presented by Dr. Norbert Erhard of Oskar Frech focuses on innovations in machine
design, die technology, and process optimization that highlights advantages such as increased energy efficiency, reduced CO2 emissions, improved productivity and quality in the casting process, and increased safety.

IMA has incorporated some new additions and features to the 2009 World Magnesium Conference, including limited simultaneous Chinese interpretation of the program, and a new post-conference golf outing on June 3 at the Presidio Golf Course in San Francisco. In addition, online registration is now available at www.imaworldconference.org.

Networking opportunities include the President’s Reception on Sunday evening, the Closing Reception and Banquet on Tuesday evening, and local sightseeing activities. This year’s program features a “Taste of Frisco” cooking class and a tour of San Francisco’s Wine Country.

An electronic brochure, including program details and registration information can be found at www.imaworldconference.org or contact IMA at info@intlmag.org.

The International Magnesium Association (IMA) will present the first-ever Taiyuan Global Magnesium Conference and Exposition, April 7 through 9, 2009 at the World Trade Hotel in Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.  Technical papers from authors around the globe will provide educational presentations and case studies covering issues focused on the use of magnesium in various market applications, including opportunities in the automotive sector.  The two-day conference, targeted toward design and engineering professionals, as well as managers at all levels in the magnesium industry, offers a comprehensive educational experience with more than two dozen technical papers,  exhibits from industry producers, suppliers, and manufacturers, and three post-conference field trips to area magnesium producer and manufacturing plants.  “Taiyuan, the capitol of Shanxi province, is well known for it importance in magnesium production,” said IMA Executive Vice President Greg Patzer. “We are expecting more than 300 design, engineering, and magnesium industry professionals to attend this important conference that will showcase the latest advances in manufacturing, products, and design trends for magnesium.”

Everything from scientific development, magnesium applications in Europe, and process cost reduction to a history of the use of magnesium and the influence of the world economic crisis on the magnesium industry will be covered at the Taiyuan Global Magnesium Conference in April.  Visit www.imaseminar.org for program details.

Magnesium Industry Concentrates on Global Climate Issues

In addition, a concurrent workshop addressing global climate protection issues will feature presentations from experts including representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Magnesium Climate/Air Quality Protection Workshop, which will be held concurrently with the Taiyuan Global Magnesium Conference on April 9, 2009, was designed to encourage a free and open exchange of technical information and practical experiences among the global magnesium industry, technology suppliers, academia, government, and non-government stakeholders.   Magnesium industry, manufacturing, and government officials from the U.S. and China will share the latest information on improving energy efficiency, protecting the global climate, and preventing air pollution in magnesium production and casting operations.  “The magnesium industry, in partnership with the national governments of China and the United States, are aggressively working to improve process efficiencies and minimize harmful air pollution,” said Patzer. “This workshop is one way to get all parties engaged in the process of reducing the impact our industry has on the global climate.”

The Magnesium Climate Workshop is divided into four sessions that feature presentations covering environmental issues important to the magnesium industry. The session “Global Climate Protection Opportunities in Magnesium Production and Casting” includes Domestic Policies Promoting Climate and Air Quality Protection by Cui Cheng of Energy Research Institute and U.S. EPA & the Magnesium Industry—A Decade of Cooperation for Global Climate Protection by Kirsten Cappel of the U.S. EPA.  The session “Project Development—Financing Climate Protection and Sustainable Development” features a panel discussion on “Project Design and Implementation Support” with panelists including Caspar Chiquet of South Pole Carbon Asset Management, Adi Dishon of EcoTraders, and Yuebing Lu of Climate Change Capital.  The session “Climate-Friendly Technologies and Industry Experiences” features four presentations, including Substitution of SF6 in Magnesium Melting and Die Casting by Kam-Shau Chan of Foxconn Technology Group, and Advanced Magnesium Melt Protection Delivery by Reggie Ho of Polycontrols. The session “Improving Air Quality and Protecting Human Health” includes Air Quality Management in the United States by Jeremy Scharfenberg of IFC International. 

For more information on the 2009 Taiyuan Global Magnesium Conference & Exposition and the concurrent Magnesium Climate/Air Quality Protection Workshop, visit www.imaseminar.org  or contact the IMA at info@intlmag.org.