What is the carbon footprint of magnesium alloys?

The carbon footprint of magnesium alloys is significantly influenced by the extraction and processing of raw magnesium.

Magnesium production could be very energy-intensive, particularly when using the Pidgeon process, which relies on coal to reduce magnesium oxide.

However, advancements such as electrolytic processes powered by renewable energy sources offer promising opportunities to lower the carbon footprint of magnesium production.

Also, recycling magnesium alloys provides a more sustainable alternative, requiring only a small fraction of the energy used for primary production.

Moreover, the lightweight nature of magnesium alloys helps reduce global fuel consumption and thus greenhouse gas emissions, especially in transportation industries like aerospace and automotive.