Magnesium scrap: a renewable resource for circular economy

The journey of magnesium recycling is a multifaceted process, marked by both advancements and challenges. Recycling magnesium presents a promising avenue for sustainability, resource conservation, and economic efficiency. However, it comes with its set of unique challenges that need to be addressed for its widespread adoption. Magnesium recycling typically begins with the collection of scrap materials, which can originate from various sources such as manufacturing processes, end-of-life products, and industrial residues. These scraps undergo sorting, cleaning, and processing to remove impurities and contaminants. Depending on the quality and composition of the scrap, different recycling methods may be employed, including thermal reduction, remelting, or chemical processes. One of the primary challenges in magnesium recycling lies in the collection and separation of scrap materials. Unlike more commonly recycled metals like aluminum and steel, magnesium scrap is

is relatively less abundant and dispersed across diverse industries. Additionally, magnesium alloys often contain other metals and impurities, making separation and purification processes more complex and costly. Furthermore, the diversity of magnesium alloys used in different applications poses a challenge for efficient recycling. Each alloy may have distinct compositions and properties, requiring tailored recycling processes and technologies. This diversity complicates the sorting and separation of magnesium scrap, as well as the quality control of recycled magnesium products. Another significant challenge in magnesium recycling is the energy-intensive nature of certain recycling methods. For instance, thermal reduction processes, such as the Pidgeon process, require high temperatures and energy inputs, leading to increased carbon emissions and environmental impact.