Magnesium Recovered From Scrap Processed In The United States, By Kind Of Scrap And Form Of Recovery

This table provides detailed information on the quantities of magnesium recovered from various types of scrap processed within the United States, categorized by the kind of scrap and the form in which the magnesium is recovered. This data is crucial for understanding the domestic recycling efficiency and supply chain dynamics of magnesium, a lightweight metal widely used in automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries. Tracking recovery from both new and old scrap helps gauge the sustainability of magnesium use and the extent to which recycled material supplements primary production, impacting economic factors such as raw material costs and environmental footprint.

In 2023, the total magnesium recovered from scrap decreased to 108,000 metric tons from 115,000 metric tons in 2022, marking a decline of about 6%. This reduction was primarily driven by a notable drop in magnesium-base new scrap recovery, which fell from 52,800 to 46,400 metric tons. Conversely, aluminum-base old scrap recovery saw a slight increase, rising from 20,300 to 21,100 metric tons. By form of recovery, aluminum alloys accounted for the largest share, increasing marginally from 76,000 to 78,400 metric tons, while magnesium alloy castings experienced a significant decrease from 35,200 to 27,100 metric tons. Data for magnesium alloy ingot recovery remains withheld to protect proprietary information but is included in the "Other" category, which itself declined from 3,460 to 2,130 metric tons. These trends suggest shifts in scrap availability or processing preferences, with implications for the magnesium recycling industry's capacity and product output.