Abstract:Upgrading the reduction equipment from "horizontal tank" to "vertical tank" in the Pidgeon process has become the main improvement direction to reduce the environmental impact of magnesium smelting. The life cycle assessment (LCA) method was used to compare the full life cycle carbon emissions of producing one ton of high-performance magnesium alloy AZ91 using the two processes of typical enterprises. Time series analysis was used to predict the trend and reduction potential of CO2 emissions in the production process of primary magnesium in China. The results show that compared with the traditional “horizontal tank” Pidgeon process, the “vertical tank” Pidgeon process achieves significant reductions in energy consumption and material consumption, and the carbon emissions per unit product are reduced by 33%. The trend of carbon emissions from primary magnesium production in China from 2001 to 2023 shows an "M" shape, with primary magnesium production being the main factor affecting carbon emissions. The carbon emissions per unit of primary magnesium have continued to decline, and the adjustment of energy structure and upgrading and transformation of equipment are the main reasons for achieving a reduction in unit carbon emissions. Based on current technological development, it is predicted that the utilization rate of primary magnesium capacity will steadily increase, production will achieve steady growth, and it is expected that the carbon emission peak of the magnesium industry will be reached in 2031.