Abstract
Magnesium metal has been commercially produced from the waters of Great Salt Lake since 1972. Worldwide use of magnesium has markedly increased over the last twenty years due to its unique properties of low density and high strength. Great Salt Lake is a valuable resource for the recovery of magnesium minerals due to its chemical composition, natural geography/climate and proximity to transportation and markets. US Magnesium LLC and its predecessors have overcome various technical challenges as well as political hurdles, climatic calamities and market uncertainties. This discussion will describe the extensive use of solar evaporation ponds to produce suitable raw materials for magnesium manufacture as well as significant mineral by-products. It will also include a basic technical description of the magnesium metal manufacturing process, an explanation of the operating history of the Rowley Utah plant, and briefly touch on the current commercial uses of magnesium metal.
Recommended Citation
Tripp, Thomas G.
(2009)
"Production of magnesium from Great Salt Lake, Utah USA,"
Natural Resources and Environmental Issues: Vol. 15, Article 10.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/nrei/vol15/iss1/10
