Magnesium has three principal uses:

• The principal constituent in magnesium alloys used chiefly in the production of die-cast parts, mainly for the automobile industry.
• A minor constituent of aluminium alloys used in practically all of the applications for aluminium.
• Desulphurising agent in the production of steel.

In addition, magnesium has a range of metallurgical, chemical and electrochemical uses, all of which are relatively minor.

Magnesium’s uses can be classified in order of importance as follows:

• Casting magnesium alloys.
• Aluminium alloys.
• Desulphurisation of steel.
• Production of titanium sponge.
• Nodularisation of ductile cast iron.
• Cathodic protection.
• Wrought magnesium alloys.
• Other minor uses.