Abstract: A method for suppressing oxidation and burning in a molten magnesium alloy which my contain beryllium, comprising covering the exposed surface of the molten alloy in a protective atmosphere and dissolving strontium into the molten alloy is disclosed. This has the benefit of reducing magnesium losses due to oxidation thereby improving efficiency of the process. There is also disclosed a magnesium casting alloy comprising from about 1% to 10% by weight of aluminum, from about 1% to 30% by weight of zinc, from about 0.004% to 0.05 % by weight of strontium and unavoidable impurities, the balance being magnesium. Finally, there is disclosed a beryllium free magnesium die casting which is essentially free of flux inclusions.