Metix and Magmec explore magnesium metal production project in the UAE

Metix, the South Africa-based brand of SMS group, and Magmec have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop a magnesium metal production facility in the United Arab Emirates. The planned plant would use advanced reduction furnace technology and process magnesium oxide derived from feedstocks such as dolomite and brine.

According to the companies, the project is intended to support the establishment of a regional and more sustainable magnesium supply for strategic industrial users in the Gulf region. Magnesium is increasingly in demand across a range of industrial applications, including lightweight alloys and nonferrous metal processing.

Under the MoU, Metix will contribute its engineering and metallurgical expertise to advance Magmec’s existing process flow models toward front-end engineering design (FEED). This step is aimed at de-risking the project and preparing it for potential implementation. The collaboration combines Magmec’s proprietary extraction technology, designed to handle a variety of feed sources, with SMS group’s process design capabilities and original equipment manufacturer furnace technologies.

Commenting on the agreement, Magmec Founder and CEO Yousef Gorji said: “This partnership reflects our shared mission to commercialize a leading mineral processing technology that has been significantly de-risked during the piloting phase.” He added: “We will be doing it here in the GCC, a region with strong demand for magnesium. It will also establish the first domestic supply of the metal in the UAE.”

From SMS group’s perspective, Raman Handa, Managing Director Middle East, said: “SMS group is proud to initiate this landmark project that will explore the establishment of the first magnesium production facility in the UAE.” He noted that the initiative supports industrial self-sufficiency and the development of new value chains in the Middle East’s nonferrous metals sector.

Source and Photo: SMS Group