Foxconn's Lin Deliver's IMA Conference Keynote Address

2010-05-17

Ringo Lin of Foxconn presented the Keynote address, again with an emphasis on the magnesium industry and the environmental. Mr. Lin noted that clear strategies concerning environmental issues are necessary for the future development of the magnesium industry.

“The magnesium world is no is a slow down, not a good sign for magnesium applications. The industry needs to understand the needed strategies to pull out of this two-year slump.”

“Since magnesium is a low-density application, it absorbs noise and vibration and can fulfill many product specifications where low-cost plastics and aluminum are now used. But to do this a clear and stable pricing strategy must be put in place. Magnesium can be used in a variety of applications including automotive parts and components, computers, televisions, personal electronic devices, bicycles, motorcycles and so forth.”

“But cost continues to be a big issue. In the past two years there was a significant drop in the demand for magnesium. Cost can be considered one of the reasons for the drop in demand. As an industry we must develop a balance of supply and demand, have a clear plan on environmental issues and develop open and fair mechanisms for bench mark pricing. More than 70% of the world’s magnesium is produced in China, we have the responsibility to maintain a stable magnesium prices. This is good for the long-term development of the magnesium industry.”

“Foxconn is committed to being environmentally and fiscally responsibly in regards to magnesium. Magnesium is an excellent lightweight alternative in automotive components to reduce weight and carbon emissions. In addition to providing environmentally friendly components Foxconn is committed to environmentally friendly production. We are using Life Cycle Assessments to analyze the CO2 for the life of the component not just the driving period.”

“For the upstream process the industry needs to have strong support for applications. We are comparing CO2 emissions, aluminum and magnesium recycling, and scrap recycling. We recently started heat recycling. Our goal is to have an effective use of resources without waste.”

“We are looking to cooperate with other research teams, customers and the magnesium industry in order to achieve energy saving and emissions reduction with the use of magnesium.”