Abstract
Magnesium is the eighth commonest element in the earth's crust, of which it constitutes about 2.2 wt%. Like iron, aluminium and titanium, magnesium needs relatively little concentration by natural processes to form economic deposits. Magnesium-bearing minerals occur commonly in igneous rocks, in sedimentary carbonate rocks, as sedimentary evaporites and - to the extent of 0.13% - in sea water. Historically, the distribution of resources has been less important in determining the location of production than for most other metals: the exploitation of natural concentrations, such as large evaporite deposits or saline lakes, has been complemented by production from sea water or dolomite in locations where markets and energy supplies are conducive to magnesium extraction. Recent developments, however, may indicate a shift to resource-sited operations.
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