Uncovering magnesium recovery potential and corresponding environmental impacts mitigation in China

Magnesium is widely used in the automotive sector and many other end-use sectors. However, virgin magnesium resource is limited and its production generates significant environmental pressures. Magnesium recycling can effectively reduce the consumption of virgin magnesium resources and corresponding environmental impacts. By combining both stock-driven and inflow-driven models and both Weilbull and normal lifespan distribution functions, this study aims to estimate the recycling potential of magnesium and its corresponding environmental impacts in China, probably the largest magnesium producer and exporter, for the period of 2022–2050. Results show that the annual magnesium recycling potential is more than four million tons (Mt), indicating that such secondary magnesium supply could mitigate the overall consumption of virgin magnesium resource in China. This recycling effort can also reduce more than three Mt. of CO2 emission. Finally, considering China's realities, three policy recommendations are proposed. •Most magnesium end use sectors would reach their saturation after 2040;•The annual potential of magnesium recovery will reach 4 Mt. on average;•More than 3 Mt. CO2 eq can be saved with the implementation of magnesium recycling;•Several policy recommendations are then proposed by considering the Chinese realities.