During April and June 2001, CRU and Clark & Marron Consulting undertook an extensive field study to evaluate the structure and cost position of the Chinese magnesium industry. Twenty pure and alloy magnesium plants from six different Provinces (including Shanxi, Ningxia, Henan, Hebei, Qinghai and Jiangsu) were visited during those two trips. In addition, meetings and discussions were held with the China Magnesium Association, Sinomag, as well as local authorities, plant management, industry representatives, traders and consumers.