PRODUCTION OF MAGNESIUM AND ALUMINUM-MAGNESIUM ALLOYS FROM RECYCLED SECONDARY ALUMINUM SCRAP MELTS

An experimental proof of concept was demonstrated for a patent(1) and trademark(2)-pending RE-12 (TM) process for extracting a desired amount of Mg from recycled scrap secondary Al melts. Mg was extracted by electrorefining producing Mg product suitable as Mg alloying hardener additive to primary grade Al alloys. This efficient electrorefining process operates at high current efficiency, high Mg recovery and low energy consumption. Mg electrorefining product can meet all the impurity specifications with subsequent melt treatment for removing alkali contaminants. This economical and environmentally friendly chlorine-free RE-12 (TM) process could be disruptive and transformational for the Mg production industry by enabling the recycling of 30,000 tonnes of primary-quality Mg annually.