The conventional electro-discharge machining (C-EDM) method with low material removal rate (MRR) and high electrode wear rate (EWR) results in high production costs. The C-EDM also suffers from inconsistent machined surface quality and the formation of micro cracks and craters on the machined surface. The objective of this article is to review the advantages of the powder mixed EDM (PMEDM) method and its potential to improve the Mg-alloy surface quality. Research articles related to PMEDM process since the year 2015 until 2018 are summarized in this article. The addition of conductive particles in the dielectric fluid leads to an increase of the spark gap size, which subsequently results in a reduction in electrical discharge power density. The melted and deposited zinc particles on the Mg-alloy machined surface will modify the surface. © 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.