Replacing heavy metallic components with light magnesium (Mg) alloys is an efficient way to reduce weight and to conserve the energy used in transportation vehicles. Before this replacement becomes feasible, the inherent issue of corrosion of Mg alloys must be addressed. The present research aims to develop economical and practical chromate free conversion coatings to actively protect Mg and its alloys from corrosion. The industrial implementation of such coatings has the capacity to significantly transform the Mg alloy market with respect to end use and pave a path for them to be used as automotive and aircraft parts, placing Baosteel as the leading supplier of Mg- value added products (and only supplier of Mg with active protection coatings).