METALLIC  MAGNESIUM PLANT

The Dead Sea is one of the world’s richest sources of magnesium, with a 3.2 % concentration as opposed to seawater with only 0.13 %.  Metallic magnesium is used instructural alloys for aircraft, vehicles, tools, machinery etc.

In 1991 The Dead Sea Works at Sdom, Israel, the main subsidiary of Israel Chemicals Ltd, which for decades has been producing potash, bromine and other chemicals of the Dead Sea, decided to expand its operations into the field of metallic magnesium.

On January 1992, UPS started a feasibility study and economic assessment based on know-how provided by experts in Russia and the Ukraine.

UPS - United Projects Services Ltd. actually started the project in 1993.

The plant used some 26,000 tons of structural steel and 62,000 cubic meters of site poured concrete. The manufacturing facility comprises 500,000 sq. meters. Stage One of the project will manufacture 25,000 TPA of pure magnesium. The investment is $360 MM, including feed systems from the Dead Sea, Electrolysis Section , Casting House and Chlorine processing areas.

The plant will use power and steam generated by another UPS/DSW project : diesel /steam turbine cogen power plant.

In June 1995 Volkswagen Group and DSW Ltd. established a joint venture in the metallic magnesium plant. Volkswagen’s share in the project is 35 percent.

This joint venture with DSW will assure the fulfillment of Volkswagen’s magnesium needs while other magnesium producers in USA, Norway etc. can't assure adequate steady supply.

UPS - United Projects Services Ltd. is the engineering, procurement, construction and management contractor (EPCM) of this project in the joint venture. UPS is also in charge of the transfer of the process know-how from Russia and the Ukraine.

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