SMS group’s South Africa-based
Metix brand and
Magmec have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a magnesium metal production plant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The facility will use advanced reduction furnace technology and process magnesium oxide from feed sources such as dolomite and brine. The partnership supports Magmec’s goal of creating a regional, sustainable supply of magnesium for strategic industrial users.
Under the agreement, Metix will assist with the conceptual development of Magmec’s existing process flow models towards front-end engineering design, enabling full project de-risking. The collaboration combines Magmec’s proprietary extraction technology, designed to process diverse feed sources, with SMS group’s engineering expertise in process design and metallurgical plant development, alongside industry-leading OEM furnace technologies.
Yousef Gorji, Magmec’s founder and CEO, said: “This partnership reflects our shared mission to commercialise a leading mineral processing technology that has been significantly de-risked during the piloting phase. 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. We aim to partner with reputable local and regional organisations, especially those that already use magnesium in their industrial processes today.”
Raman Handa, managing director Middle East, SMS group, said: “SMS group is proud to initiate this landmark project that will explore the establishment of the first magnesium production facility in the UAE. This initiative reflects our vision to advance industrial self-sufficiency, enable new value chains and support the UAE’s leadership in the non-ferrous metals sector across the Middle East.”
The project aligns with the UAE’s
Operation 300bn industrial strategy by strengthening local manufacturing capabilities and expanding the country’s non-oil GDP. It also supports the “Make it in the Emirates” agenda, aiming to elevate the global profile of UAE-manufactured goods and provide downstream industries—including aluminum alloy, automotive, aerospace and electronics—with a reliable magnesium supply.