WASHINGTON D.C., February 20, 2003 — The International Magnesium Association (IMA) is voluntarily establishing a climate protection goal of eliminating sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) emissions from magnesium operations by December 31, 2010. SF6 has been widely used by the magnesium industry as a protective cover gas for more than 25 years. The magnesium industry has steadily reduced SF6 cover gas emissions over the past years through technological and process improvements.
IMA participated in the launch of the President's "Climate VISION" (Voluntary Innovative Sector Initiatives: Opportunities Now -) – a voluntary, public-private partnership to pursue cost-effective initiatives that will reduce the projected growth in greenhouse gas emissions. Climate VISION will be administered through the Department of Energy's policy and international program.
IMA, with EPA's support, initiated a study in mid-2000 to identify and evaluate protective cover gas alternatives to SF6. The promising results of this continuing study are providing the industry with the confidence to establish such an aggressive climate protection goal. IMA is also pleased to recognize the recent addition of the Canadian Government to this cooperative research program.
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Magnesium is used in a variety of markets (in aluminum alloys and as a chemical agent to desulfurize molten steel) and applications (die casting), each use taking advantage of the physical and mechanical properties of this element and its alloys. Magnesium ranks as the eighth most abundant element in the earth's crust and is classified as a light metal. By volume, it is two-thirds of the weight of aluminum and about one-quarter of the weight of steel. The main advantage of magnesium is unquestionably its weight-to-strength ratio, which is considerably better than that of competing structural metals. The leading structural application of magnesium is die cast automobile parts. The use of magnesium alloy parts provides product design flexibility, enhances structural capabilities and contributes to vehicle weight reduction to help improve fuel economy.
Global demand for magnesium is also being met by an expanding magnesium-recycling industry. Alloys used for structural applications can be recycled back into products displaying the same physical and mechanical characteristics as primary metal. This positive environmental attribute is being actively encouraged by the industry and recycling requires only 5% of the energy required to produce primary product. IMA members continue to improve production systems to create a net positive environmental effect and improve the sustainability of magnesium.
Page Last Modified: August 7, 2008
