Abrasives

As a binder in grinding wheels

Animal feed supplement

Source of magnesium ions for chickens, cattle and other animals

Boiler (oil-fired) additives

Raises melting point of ash generated to produce a friable material that is easily removed; reduced corrosion of steel pipes holding steam as well as sulphur emissions into the environment

Boiler feedwater treatment

Reduces iron, silica and solids

Chemicals

Starting point for the production of other magnesium salts such as sulphate and nitrate

Coatings

Pigment extender in paint and varnish

Construction

Basic ingredient of oxychloride cements used for flooring, wallboard, fibre board, and tile

Electrical

Semi-conductors; heating elements insulating filler between wire and outer sheath

Fertilizers

Source of essential magnesium for plant nutrition

Foundries

Catalyst and water acceptor in shell moulding

Glass manufacture

Ingredient for specialty, scientific and decorative glassware and fibreglass

Insulation

Light, flexible mats for insulating pipes

Lubricating oils

Additive to neutralise acids

Pharmaceuticals

Special grades of magnesium hydroxide, oxide and carbonate are unsed in antacids, cosmetics, toothpaste and ointments

Plastics manufacture

Filler, acid acceptor, thickener catalyst and pigment extender

Refractory and ceramics

Basic ingredient in product formulations for the steel industry

Rubber compounding

Filler, acid acceptor, anti-scorch ingredient, curing aid, pigment

Steel industry

Annealing process; coating for grain-oriented silicon steel used in electrical transformers

Sugar refining

Reduces scale build-up when used in juice clarification and precipitation

Sulphite wood pulping

Source of base of cooking liquors

Uranium, gallium and boron processing

Precipitation initiator by acid neutralisation

Wastewater treatment

Acid stream neutraliser; precipitates heavy metals