Basic Magnesium, Inc. (BMI) formed in June 1941 as a joint venture between Basic Refractories, Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio and Magnesium Elektron, Limited of England. Basic Refractories, Inc. owned mining claims in Gabbs Valley, Nye County, Nevada, which produced the magnesite and brucite needed to produce magnesium metal. Magnesium Elektron, Limited owned the patent for the electrolytic process of extracting metallic magnesium from these minerals.

"Pierre was born June 16, 1924 in Paris, France. He survived WWII as a prisoner in a Nazi work camp where he met his lifelong friend Louis Juif. After the war, he returned to his family and began his career working backstage in theater. Although he never had much formal education, Pierre quickly ascended to the position of stage director, managing numerous productions including the Lido in Paris, Casino de Paris in Las Vegas, Ballet de Roland Petit, Solid Gold Las Vegas, Vive Les Girls, as well as touring shows worldwide.