Thank you for attending the 81st Annual Magnesium Conference!

You can view the conference agenda here:

Conference Agenda

You can view handouts from the conference here:

Handouts

IMA 81st Annual World Conference 2024 in Review

The 81st Annual International Magnesium Association (IMA) World Magnesium Conference was held May 19-21, in Fukuoka, Japan. This premier conference brought together industry leaders to discuss various aspects of the magnesium supply chain, including magnesium supply and demand, raw magnesium products, automotive applications, casting processes, technological innovations, sustainable development and alloys and processes.

Attendees had the opportunity to learn from experts, explore new methodologies, and network with industry thought leaders. The conference had 216 registered attendees, one of the highest numbers the IMA had seen in years, spreading hope for the industry's continued growth. During the opening presentation Hartmut Fischer welcomed guests to the 2024 conference by saying, “I encourage each of you to embrace this opportunity to engage, cooperate and harness the power of collective action to propel magnesium innovation forward, forging the path towards a more sustainable future.”

Understanding Mg Supply & Demand

On day one, Alan Clark, the founder and managing director of CM Group, provided insights into the global magnesium market, highlighting the challenges of gathering accurate data in the industry. Clark provided a comprehensive overview of supply and demand trends, including production figures, consumption patterns, and pricing dynamics. He discussed the subdued nature of the market in 2023, with decreased output, consumption, and prices, while also noting reductions in inventories and exports from China.

Clark emphasized the importance of understanding the complexities of magnesium production in China, particularly its integration into different technologies versus the pigeon process. He spoke about the concentration of magnesium production in specific regions of China and the impact of Chinese policy shifts on global magnesium prices and the potential implications for industry stakeholders. Clark concluded by highlighting key areas of interest for industry participants, such as aerospace, hydrogen storage, drone technology, and large casting components.

Following Clark's presentation, Chunming Dong, Sunlight Metal Consulting (Beijing) Co., Ltd., provided further insights into China's magnesium industry and its alignment with carbon reduction and sustainability goals. Dong discussed progress and challenges in the Chinese magnesium market, emphasizing the importance of policy and industry collaboration.

Next, was a panel discussion with Clark, Dong, E. Lee Bray, U.S. Geological Survey, and Saifudden Mohamed, ENOWA. Overall, the section on supply and demand offered a deep dive into the complexities of the magnesium market, providing valuable insights for industry professionals and stakeholders.

Defining Magnesium Sustainability

The second day of the conference began with the Keynote presentation, “The Path to Net Zero - Strategic Roadmap for Decarbonization of the Global Magnesium Industry,” by Elmar Beeh, DLR's Institute of Vehicle Concepts and IMA Board of Directors. Beeh has been leading the IMA Sustainability committee to develop a decarbonization roadmap for the global magnesium industry.

During Beeh’s keynote he unveiled the result of this collaborative work, sharing the evolving strategic plan for decarbonizing the magnesium industry. This initiative aligns with global climate change efforts and envisions a significant industry transformation. The roadmap spans short to long-term strategies, emphasizing collaborative action across the globe and provides a visual representation of this path.

Further, the roadmap expresses technological advancements and the industry's role in reducing carbon emissions with a focus on innovative production methods, energy savings, and eco-labelling. The IMA and its members are committed to driving the industry towards a greener and more efficient future. This roadmap demonstrates that decarbonization of the magnesium supply chain to net zero is feasible.

Mg Activities Around the World

Other topics explored the latest news and advancements in magnesium, the topics included:

• New and Emerging Technologies: Presenters discussed cutting-edge technologies related to magnesium production, alloy development, and applications. From novel casting methods to advanced surface treatments, attendees gained insights into the future of magnesium materials.
• Primary Production Trends: The conference delved into primary magnesium production methods, including electrolytic processes and thermal reduction. Experts shared updates on efficiency improvements, environmental considerations, and cost-effectiveness.
• Market Conditions and Demand: Market dynamics, supply-demand balance, and pricing trends were key focal points. Attendees explored how global economic shifts impact magnesium consumption across industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
• Innovative Applications: Researchers showcased innovative uses of magnesium alloys. Lightweighting solutions for automotive components, corrosion-resistant coatings, and biodegradable medical implants were among the exciting applications discussed.
• Recycling and Sustainability: Sustainability remains a critical theme. Speakers emphasized the importance of recycling magnesium scrap and minimizing environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle.
• Health and Safety Practices: Occupational health and safety protocols were addressed, emphasizing safe handling, exposure prevention, and risk mitigation in magnesium production facilities.

IMA Awards of Excellence

During the conference, six 2024 IMA Awards of Excellence were presented to program winners. Established in 1962, IMA's Awards of Excellence is an annual program open to all companies demonstrating outstanding examples of magnesium's use. The merit of entries was based on the following criteria: innovation, technology, impact, synergies, competitive material displacement and economics. Nominations are judged by a peer review panel of international experts. Following are the award categories along with the winning entries and recipients:

1. Automotive Cast Product: The First Mg Alloy Cases in Electrical Drive System for EVs; SAIC Motor R&D Innovation Headquarters, Shanghai E-Propulsion Auto Technology Co. Ltd., and Ningbo Sinyuan ZM Technology Co. Ltd.
2. Commercial Cast Product: Motorhousing; Andreas STIHL AG & Co. KG (Magnesium Druckguss)
3. Future Technologies: Super-Sized Mg-Alloy High Pressure Die Casting; Chongqing University, Chongqing Institute of New Energy Storage Materials and Equipment, Millison Technologies Inc., and Boao Magnesium Aluminum Manufacturing Ltd.
4. Environmental Responsibility: Reducing Co2 Emissions by 100,000 Tons by Replacing SF6; Tsukuba Diecasting Co.Ltd.
5. Wrought Product: High-Gloss Stainless Mg Alloy Plate; Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Lenovo (Beijing) Ltd., Suzhou Victory Precision Manufacture Co. Ltd., DaTong GOMG Technology Co. Ltd., Jiangsu Typic Paint CN, Ltd., and Shanghai Zichiheng Electronic Technology Co. Ltd.
6. Process: Ultra Lightweight Gearbox Cover Achieved by a Novel Design Methodology; DLR – Institute of Vehicle Concepts, Robert Bosch GmbH, Oskar Frech GmbH + Co. KG, Gühring KG, Hochschule Aalen, EJOT GmbH & Co. KG, Andreas STIHL AG & Co. KG.

View Awards

Networking

The President’s reception was held at the Hill Top Resort, where guests enjoyed an endless buffet of delicious food and beverages and watched the sunset over the gorgeous city of Fukuoka. The IMA Members-Only Offsite Event the next evening was held at the Luigans Spa & Resort. During the event, the Japanese Magnesium Association (JMA) thanked the IMA for years of partnership, emphasizing the rich history of the global magnesium community. The partnerships formed during conferences throughout the years contribute to advancing magnesium technology around the world.

The conference was a resounding success, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with fresh insights. As the magnesium industry continues to evolve, events like this play a crucial role in shaping its future. Next year, the 2025 IMA World Conference is planned to be held in Salzburg, Austria. We hope to see you there!

Written by Rose Eaton, IMA Americas Representative

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