A few thoughts while it is so very quiet.
OCTOBER 31, 2023
Sustainable and green development of magnesium production technology: A life-cycle perspective by KeAi Communications Co.
Magnesium, the lightest metallic structural material, has been referred to as the most promising material for green engineering in the 21st century.
Currently, magnesium finds extensive application in various sectors, including automotive manufacturing, railway transportation, 3C consumer electronics, aerospace production, and within prominent companies like Tesla and Apple.
In China, nearly all magnesium produced is done via the Pidgeon process. which involves the thermal reduction of calcined dolomite with ferrosilicon. Due to its inherent characteristics, however, this method generates largeamounts of greenhouse gases (GHG) along with high consumption of fossil fuels.
To address this limitation, a team of researchers in China conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) to investigate the energy consumption and GHG emissions associated with the Pidgeon process and five other alternative methods.
"We conducted the study at Fugu County, China's largestmagnesium production site. We developed a cradle-to-gate life cycle model for Fugu magnesium, leveraging local technical processes and production data. This approach allows us to gain clear insights into the key factors for conserving energy and reducing carbon emissions within magnesium production," said the study's first author, Xiaorui Huang, a Ph.D. student at the Shenyang University of Chemical Technology.
Notably, the energy consumption and GHG emissions data for the current Pidgeon process in Fugu were recently updated, with figures of 6.38x105 MJ and 39.3t CO2-eq., respectively. "These figures are derived from the Chinese database and accurately portray the current state of domestic magnesium production technology. They hold substantial importance in establishing the initial carbon quota for the domestic magnesium industry," explained Mr. Huang.
The researchers also noted that a new magnesium production technology using Liaoning's abandoned magnesite as raw material and the coke oven gas from steelworks as fuel showed the best economic performance in terms of cost for greenhouse gas emissions.
Their findings are published in the journal Carbon Resources Conversion. "We hope our work will provide useful insights for the sustainable development of magnesium industries and the proper route selection (Cough) under the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals of China," said Mr. Huang.
Ends.
The full study has been removed from the journal "Carbon Resources Conversion" (reasons unknown)
....................................................
A few thoughts...
It is logical that the LMG's Mg production technology can be replicated in China in the future. Patents are a waste of time and certification can be printed by modifying other certificates within a pdf editor. Such is the lack of standards being adhered to. The dishonest and dangerous false certification ranges right across the spectrum, from ISO standards, country standards and safety codes/legal requirements. The world is rife with dodgy goods that are often of inferior quality as compared to OEM's. In some sectors a few products can be superior but rarely.
It is interesting in my opinion to see that the report above demonstrates how far China is out of step regarding a proportionate amount of energy consumption and reduction in GHG emissions. "Notably, the energy consumption and GHG emissions data for the current Pidgeon process in Fugu were recently updated, with figures of 6.38x105 MJ and 39.3 tCO2-eq., respectively."
The report does not state the estimated reduction of energy consumption of the Chinese modified Pidgeon process feedstock and power source, determined within the study. I would think it fair to say that given the process is still the archaic Pidgeon process, the reduction of energy usage and the reduction of CO2 emissions is not likely to be very significant. I searched for the Study paper " A life cycle analysis on magnesium production processes: Energy consumption, carbon emission and economics" but the paper has been withdrawn.
I would welcome comment from @tropic regarding his thoughts on potential scope of energy reduction and GHG reduction, for the Chinese "proper route selection" ?
The outcome of the study being the "proper route selection"
What is the proper route selection?
"The researchers also noted that a new magnesium production technology using Liaoning's abandoned magnesite as raw material and the coke oven gasfrom steelworks as fuel showed the best economic performance in terms of cost for greenhouse gas emissions.
(Different spots, same Cheetah)
It will be interesting how long it will take for the Chinese to emulate/replicate the LMG Hydromet process. Would the International Magnesium Association have any sway to limit the Chinese replication, not as if they had power but rather, influence? Shaanxi Yulin Magnesium Industry (Group) Co., Ltd. in China is a member of the International Magnesium Association.
"IMA is the global resource for the magnesium industry and the voicefor its membership and international user communities." Perhaps through IMA industry network of primary producers, recyclers, foundries, fabricators, end-users and suppliers, there may be full exposure of LMGs tech and Patents that may encourage the industry not to cannibalise LMG's tech. A vague form of refuge, simply due to global exposure?
IMA’s Mission Statement:
"The International Magnesium Association will provide value to its membership through leadership and services in actively promoting the use of magnesium in material selection and encourage innovative applications of this versatile metal by:
- Actively promoting the use of magnesium metal in material selection
- Representing the global interests of its membership
- Providing research and education to actively address environmental, health and safety issues
- Gathering and presenting statistics and other information about the magnesium industry in an accurate and timely manner.
https://www.intlmag.org/search/newsearch.asp?bst=&cdlGroupID=&txt_country=China&txt_statelist=&txt_state=&ERR_LS_20240115_065257_19627=txt_state%7CLocation%7C20%7C0%7C%7C0
Pressure rather than power?
...............................
The availability of renewable energy sources for both of LMG's commercial production plants (Plus 10,000tpa and 100,000tpa) is critical for LMG to achieve its forecast CO2 emissions and reduction in energy consumption.
- LMG’s plant (Plus 10,000tpa Fly Ash feedstock) is estimated to produce 9.7 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of Mg
- LMG's plant (100,000tpa -Ferro Nickle Slag feedstock) is estimated to be as low as 0.7 tonnes per tonne of Mg.
LMG aims to have the world’s lowest CO2 emissions for any magnesium producer by:
- Using its proprietary, efficient, and low emission hydromet process to extract valuable products from fly ash and ferro nickel feedstocks
- Implementing its vertical furnace technology that results in up to a 20% reduction in typical industry energy consumption
- Using renewable energy where possible to power its operations
- Investigating the use of Hydrogen as a supplementary fuel source.
https://www.latrobemagnesium.com/sustainability
For the Malaysian plant, there is a strong likelihood of Hydroelectricity for the 100,000tpa plant.
LATROBE MAGNESIUM SELECTS MALAYSIA FOR ITS
100,000TPA MAGNESIUM PLANT
27/03/2023
"The most significant benefit to this location is the presence of hydroelectric power generation, meaning Latrobe Magnesium will potentially be able to operate with 100% renewable power, with the process plant operating with net zero emissions immediately after commissioning, as opposed to achieving this goal over a much longer period of time."
Solar energy was sought for the Plus 10,000tpa from a new solar farm that very close to the Latrobe Valley plant. The proposal was rejected by either LMG, due to coss or the solar farm having already allocated all energy to other consumers?
We have not heard much about the hydrogen option. I would like to know more about the energy options.
In the interim, LMG has engaged Origin for Gas supply.
"The Origin team have successfully completed the LPG storage facility, ready for supply of LPG, including the installation of the 120,000 litre LPGbullet, designated fill point and underground portion of the LPG pipeline. The origin team will continue to progress with the above ground gas pipeline along the sheds to the Spray Roaster and Reduction Furnace."
As a longer-term solution for power supply to the Plus 10,000tpa plant, gas will not achieve the CO2 reduction goal (Still a fossil fuel). I also fail to see how the 20% reduction in "typical industry energy consumption", will be achieved with gas. Perhaps the LMG process itself is less energy intensive compared to the Pidgeon process??
Regardless, for the Plus 10,000tpa plant, renewable energy is still a big question in my mind.
The four primary pickles for LMG's advantage in the magnesium market are:
- The conversion of problematic toxic environmental contaminate waste into magnesium
- The significant forecast reduction in CO2 emissions via the use of renewable energy
- The reduction of energy consumption which also has a proportional effect of reducing CO2 emissions.
- The production of GHG emission free SCM's that are extremely important for LMG's bottom line.
The above four aspirations/ requirements are of paramount importance to the entire LMG development plan and have in fact been presented time and time again as a fait accompli. The four requirements of LMG's model are fundamental to LMG's success. We need more information on all four aspects in my opinion.
.........................
Lastly, I hope LMG has a presentation or poster for the IRTC INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2024 "RAW MATERIALS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE"
The conference is to be held on February 21-23, 2024
The conference will be held at Centro Congressi Unione Industriali TorinoVia Manfredo Fanti, 17Turin 10128Italy
IRTC24 provides you with the unique opportunity to learn about and discuss state-of-the-arttopics in criticality, the relevance of critical raw materials for decarbonization and cutting-edge technology, novel mitigation strategies, and the most pressing issues in industry, academia, and policy-making. It provides a platform for connecting with decision-makers and participants from a diverse range of expertise, backgrounds, countries, and stakeholder groups.
https://www.intlmag.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1801134
There certainly is a great deal other news we are waiting for. The next progress report and quarterly should be loaded with juicy bits.
We will see.
Regards Ken
(20min delay)