Top 10 countries for magnesium production in 2025
Magnesium, a lightweight and versatile metal, is a critical component in industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to construction and electronics. Its low density, high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance make it indispensable in the manufacture of alloys, particularly for aluminum and steel production. In addition, magnesium compounds are essential in the agricultural, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. As global demand for magnesium continues to rise, driven by advances in lightweight materials for fuel-efficient vehicles and renewable energy technologies, understanding the key players in magnesium production is essential. This article examines the top 10 countries projected to lead magnesium production in 2025, based on current trends, historical data, and industry forecasts. We will explore production capacity, key players, and factors influencing each country’s production, supported by detailed statistics and visual aids.
Global Magnesium Production Overview
Global primary magnesium production is estimated at 940,000 metric tons in 2023, down slightly from a peak of 1.12 million metric tons in 2019. Magnesium is primarily extracted from magnesite ore, dolomite, and brines, with the Pidgeon process (a silicothermic reduction process) dominating production, particularly in China. The global magnesite market, valued at approximately US$12.37 billion in 2023, is projected to reach US$14.9 billion by 2028, driven by demand from the construction, automotive, and metallurgical sectors. While magnesite reserves are abundant, with an estimated 7.7 billion metric tons worldwide, production is highly concentrated in a few countries, with China leading by a wide margin.
The following sections detail the top 10 countries expected to dominate magnesium production in 2025, based on data from the US Geological Survey, Statista, and industry reports, with projections taking into account current production trends, infrastructure investments, and policy changes.
Top 10 Magnesium Producing Countries in 2025
1. China.
Estimated production (2025): 800,000-850,000 metric tons
China remains the undisputed leader in global magnesium production, accounting for approximately 91% of global primary magnesium production in 2023. In 2022, China’s primary magnesium production capacity is estimated at 1.8 million metric tons, far exceeding that of other nations. The country’s dominance is attributed to its vast magnesite reserves (500 million tons, or 21% of global reserves), abundant labor, and advanced infrastructure, particularly in provinces such as Liaoning, Shaanxi, and Shanxi. Liaoning alone accounts for 85.6% of China’s magnesite reserves, making it a global hub for magnesium production.
The Pidgeon process, which is energy-intensive but cost-effective, is the cornerstone of China’s magnesium industry. In 2021, China produced an estimated 17 million metric tons of magnesium compounds, underscoring its ability to meet both domestic and global demand. However, environmental regulations introduced in 2021 to curb energy-intensive industries led to a temporary reduction in production, resulting in a global price spike. By 2025, China is expected to stabilize production by investing in greener technologies and expanding capacity in regions such as Ningxia.
Key Players: Shanxi Yinguang Magnesium Industry, Qinghai Salt Lake Magnesium, and Liaoning-based producers.
2. RUSSIA
Estimated production (2025): 60,000-70,000 metric tons
Russia ranks second in global magnesium production, with a primary production capacity of 81,000 metric tons in 2022. The country has the world’s largest magnesite reserves, estimated at 2.3 billion metric tons, giving it a significant long-term advantage. Russian production is centered on the Kirgiteiskoye and Talskoye deposits, managed by the Magnezit Group, which is actively expanding its facilities to increase production. In 2023, Russia produced approximately 950,000 metric tons of magnesite, a key raw material for magnesium.
Despite its reserves, Russia’s magnesium production is limited by technological and infrastructure constraints compared to China. Geopolitical factors, including sanctions, may affect export opportunities, but domestic demand from the steel and aerospace industries supports steady production. By 2025, Russia is expected to modestly increase production through plant upgrades and new smelters.
Key players: Magnezit Group, Rusal.
3. United States
Estimated production (2025): 25,000-30,000 metric tons
The United States, once a major magnesium producer in the 20th century, now accounts for about 3% of global production. In 2023, US Magnesium, a Renco Group company based in Utah, was the only primary magnesium producer in the country, with an annual capacity of 63,500 metric tons. The Great Salt Lake serves as the primary source of magnesium chloride, which is processed by electrolysis, a process that is less common globally due to high energy costs.
The U.S. is focused on expanding domestic production to reduce reliance on Chinese imports, which supply 95% of Europe’s magnesium. By 2025, investments in sustainable production methods and potential new plants in states such as Nevada could increase production slightly, although the U.S. will remain a minor player compared to China.
Key Players:U.S. Magnesium.
4. Israel.
Estimated production (2025): 18,000-22,000 metric tons
Israel contributes about 2% of global magnesium production, with estimated production of 20,000 metric tons in 2023. The Dead Sea, rich in magnesium chloride, is the primary source, with Dead Sea Magnesium (a subsidiary of Israel Chemicals Ltd.) leading production. The electrolytic process is used, similar to the U.S., taking advantage of Israel’s access to brines.
Israel’s production is export-oriented, serving European and Asian markets. Production is expected to remain stable through 2025, with potential growth limited by high energy costs and competition from China.
Key Players: Dead Sea Magnesium.
5. Brazil
Estimated Production (2025): 15,000-20,000 metric tons
Brazil will produce 1.5 million metric tons of magnesite in 2023, making it one of the world’s top producers of the raw material. The country’s magnesite reserves, mainly in Bahia and Ceara, are exploited by RHI Magnesita, the world’s largest producer of refractory materials. Brazil’s magnesium metal production is smaller, estimated at 15,000 metric tons in 2023, but growing domestic demand in the automotive and construction sectors could drive modest increases through 2025.
Key players: RHI Magnesita.
6. Turkey
Estimated Production (2025): 10,000-15,000 metric tons
Turkey will produce 1.8 million metric tons of magnesite in 2023, down from 2.7 million metric tons in 2017. The country’s magnesite industry, led by Akdeniz Mineral Resources and Grecian Magnesite, focuses on caustic calcined magnesite for refractories. Turkey’s magnesium metal production is smaller, but benefits from its strategic location for exports to Europe. By 2025, a new rotary kiln planned by Grecian Magnesite’s Turkish subsidiary could double caustic calcined magnesia output to 50,000 tons per year, indirectly supporting magnesium production.
Key players: Akdeniz Mineral Resources, Grecian Magnesite.
7. Australia
Estimated Production (2025): 8,000-12,000 metric tons
Australia’s magnesite production will be 860,000 metric tons in 2023, down from 2.7 million metric tons in 2021. Queensland Magnesia (QMAG), part of the Refratechnik Group, operates the Kunwarara deposit, one of the world’s largest magnesite mines. Magnesium metal production is limited, but Australia’s 202 million tons of recoverable magnesium ore offer potential for growth. By 2025, investment in processing facilities could increase production slightly.
Key players: Queensland Magnesia, Lachlan Star.
8. Kazakhstan
Estimated production (2025): 7,000-10,000 metric tons
Kazakhstan is a smaller player, with estimated magnesium production capacity of 10,000 metric tons in 2022. The country’s magnesite deposits and growing industrial base support modest production, primarily for the domestic steel and alloy industries. Kazakhstan is expected to maintain steady production through 2025, with potential growth linked to infrastructure investment.
Key Players: KazMag.
9. Ukraine
Estimated production (2025): 5,000-8,000 metric tons
Ukraine’s magnesium production is limited, with an estimated output of 7,000 metric tons in 2023. The country’s magnesite reserves and historical production capacity have been disrupted by geopolitical conflict. Production could remain constrained through 2025 unless stability and investment improve.
Key Players: Zaporizhzhia Magnesium Plant.
10. Saudi Arabia
Estimated Production (2025): 5,000-7,000 metric tons
Saudi Arabia will produce 340,000 metric tons of magnesite in 2023, displacing Iran in the top 10. Ma’aden Industrial Minerals Company operates the Al Ghazalah mine, which produces caustic calcined magnesite. Magnesium metal production is emerging, with potential growth through 2025 driven by diversification efforts in the Saudi economy.
Key players: Ma’aden Industrial Minerals.
Data Tables
Table 1: Top 10 Countries by Magnesite Production (2023)
Rank | Country | Magnesite Production (Metric Tons) | Share of Global Output (%) |
1 | China | 13,000,000 | 60 |
2 | Turkey | 1,800,000 | 8.2 |
3 | Brazil | 1,500,000 | 6.8 |
4 | Russia | 950,000 | 4.3 |
5 | Australia | 860,000 | 3.9 |
6 | Greece | 500,000 | 2.3 |
7 | Slovakia | 450,000 | 2.0 |
8 | Spain | 400,000 | 1.8 |
9 | North Korea | 350,000 | 1.6 |
10 | Saudi Arabia | 340,000 | 1.5 |
Source: US Geological Survey, 2023
Table 2: Top 10 Countries by Primary Magnesium Production Capacity (2022)
Rank | Country | Production Capacity (Metric Tons) | Key Production Method |
1 | China | 1,800,000 | Pidgeon Process |
2 | Russia | 81,000 | Silicothermic Reduction |
3 | United States | 63,500 | Electrolysis |
4 | Israel | 25,000 | Electrolysis |
5 | Brazil | 20,000 | Silicothermic Reduction |
6 | Turkey | 15,000 | Silicothermic Reduction |
7 | Australia | 12,000 | Silicothermic Reduction |
8 | Kazakhstan | 10,000 | Silicothermic Reduction |
9 | Ukraine | 8,000 | Silicothermic Reduction |
10 | Saudi Arabia | 7,000 | Silicothermic Reduction |
Source: Statista, US Geological Survey, 2022
Factors influencing magnesium production
Several factors determine a country’s magnesium production capacity:
- Resource availability: Countries with large magnesite or dolomite reserves, such as China, Russia and Brazil, have a natural advantage. Russia’s 2.3 billion metric tons of magnesite reserves and China’s 500 million metric tons ensure long-term production potential.
- Technological advances: The Pidgeon process, dominant in China, is less capital-intensive than the electrolysis used in the U.S. and Israel, allowing for cost-competitive production.
- Environmental regulations: Energy-intensive magnesium production is under scrutiny, particularly in China, where energy restrictions in 2021 have reduced production. The introduction of green energy could shift production dynamics by 2025.
- Geopolitical and economic factors: Sanctions on Russia and trade policies in China are impacting global supply chains. Europe’s reliance on Chinese imports (95% of its magnesium) highlights the need for diversified production.
- Market demand: Growing demand for lightweight alloys in the automotive (e.g. magnesium-aluminum alloys reduce vehicle weight by 15%) and renewable energy sectors is driving production investment.
Outlook to 2025
By 2025, global magnesium production is expected to stabilize at around 950,000-1,000,000 metric tons, with China maintaining its dominance. Efforts to diversify supply chains, particularly in Europe and North America, could boost production in the US, Brazil and Turkey. Russia’s expansion plans and Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification could boost their rankings. However, challenges such as energy costs, environmental regulations and geopolitical tensions will shape the industry’s trajectory.
The European Commission’s goal to produce 15% of its magnesium needs (40,000 metric tons) by 2030 highlights the strategic importance of reducing reliance on China. Innovations in recycling magnesium from scrap and adopting greener production methods could further influence the market, particularly in countries such as Australia and the US.
Conclusion
The magnesium production landscape in 2025 will continue to be dominated by China, with Russia, the United States, and emerging players such as Brazil and Turkey playing significant roles. The industry’s future depends on balancing resource availability, technological innovation and environmental sustainability. As demand grows in high-tech and green industries, countries with strategic investments and diversified supply chains will gain prominence. The data and visualizations provided provide a clear snapshot of the current state and future potential of global magnesium production.
