Posted on 17 Dec 2025
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 that utilizes advanced reduction furnace technology. The facility will be designed to process magnesium oxide originating from feed sources including dolomite and brine, to name just two. The partnership builds on Magmec’s goal of establishing a regional, sustainable supply of magnesium for strategic industrial users.
Project scope and technical collaboration
Under the MoU, Metix will support the conceptual development of Magmec’s existing process flow models towards front-end engineering design (FEED), which will ultimately enable full project de-risking. The collaboration combines Magmec’s proprietary extraction technology and know-how, designed to process diverse feed sources, SMS group’s engineering expertise in process design and metallurgical plant development, and industry-leading OEM furnace technologies.
Executive comments
“This partnership reflects our shared mission to commercialize 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 organizations, especially those that already use magnesium in their industrial processes today,” said Yousef Gorji, Founder and CEO of Magmec.
“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 nonferrous metals sector across the Middle East,” said Raman Handa, Managing Director Middle East, SMS group.
Strategic alignment and national impact
The project supports the UAE’s Operation 300bn industrial strategy by strengthening local manufacturing capabilities and expanding the country’s non-oil GDP. It also aligns with the “Make it in the Emirates” agenda to elevate the global profile of UAE-manufactured goods and to support downstream industries that rely on magnesium, including the aluminum alloy, automotive, aerospace, and electronics sectors.
Source:SMS group
