Magnola Flow-Sheet

The figure shown below schematically describes the Magnola Process. The process uses asbestos mine tailings as a raw material. Huge quantities of this material, known as "serpentine", are available in Quebec. Magnesium is produced through a hydrometallurgical process followed by an electrolysis phase.

Click on any stage in the process to view a description of that step, or refer to the description below.

Process Description:

1. Preparation of raw material; serpentine is removed directly from asbestos mine tailings and are crushed, dried and screened.
2. Extraction and purification; magnesium is extracted through acid leach of the serpentine, producing a brine. The brine is purified and impurities removed. The residue created is sent to a tailings pond created for this purpose and located on the existent tailings.
3. Drying of the brine; the brine is then dried to produce granular magnesium chloride.
4. Electrolysis and casting; the magnesium chloride granules are melted in an electrolyte and treated by a chlorination process. Metallic magnesium is then produced by electrolysis by sending a strong electrical current through the electrolyte. The metallic magnesium is tapped and then cast in ingots.
5. Synthesis of hydrochloric acid; chlorine gas, produced during the electrolysis phase, is reconverted into acid, which will be re-used either at the beginning of the process in the leaching stage or reconverted into gas and re-used for the chorination process.
6. Purification of emissions; gas scrubbers purify the emissions, which are washed to extract the acid, particles and other contaminants before being released into the atmosphere. The acid collected is then returned to the process. There will be no process water effluent to the environment.

Description: A description of the Magnola Process is also available, including information on the future plant in Danville, Quebec (at left). In addition, some information about magnesium is online, including advantages and end uses.