The Automotive Cast Product or Process category recognizes unique, novel, and creative design, development, or application of magnesium in the automotive industry. The design, engineering or application of entries in this category must demonstrate a significant advance over current practice.

The Commercial (non-automotive) Cast Product or Process category recognizes unique, novel, and creative design, development, or application of magnesium. The design, engineering or application of entries in this category must demonstrate a significant advance over current practice.

The Process category recognizes innovation in manufacturing or processing technology leading to higher quality and/or reduced costs.

The Wrought Product category recognizes unique, novel, and creative design, development, or application of magnesium. The design, engineering or application of entries in this category must demonstrate a significant advance over current practice.

IMA has a long-standing commitment to promoting the safe use and handling of magnesium. The Health and Safety Award recognizes companies that demonstrate a clear commitment for improving operational safety that positively impacts the organization, employees, and the environment

The Environmental Responibility award recognize companies that are playing an active role in reducing the magnesium industry's carbon footprint and that exemplify the industry's commitment to environmental responsibility. The award is presented to companies that demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility. The merit of entries is highly dependent upon carbon dioxide equivalent reductions and also based on innovation, technology, sustainability, synergies and economics.

Recognizing novel non-traditional advances in magnesium technology, including processes, manufacturing methods, applications, and novel alloy formulations.