Scandium
About Scandium
Scandium is a rare transition metal that dramatically improves the properties of aluminum alloys, increasing strength and weld resistance while maintaining low weight. It is used in aerospace components, high-performance sporting goods, and solid oxide fuel cells. Scandium has no primary mines and is recovered as a byproduct, severely limiting supply and keeping prices high.
Primary Uses
Top Producing Countries
Quick Facts
- Symbol
- Sc
- Atomic Number
- 21
- Category
- Specialty Metal
- Criticality Level
- High
- Supply Risk
- High
- Top Producer
- China
- USGS Critical List
- Listed
- EU CRM List
- Listed
Explore Scandium In Depth
Dive into detailed analysis across 11 key topics covering every aspect of the Scandium value chain.
Uses & Applications
Discover the primary industrial, technological, and commercial applications of Scandium across key sectors.
Supply Chain
Trace the Scandium supply chain from mine to market, including key intermediaries, processing hubs, and trade flows.
Mining & Processing
Learn how Scandium is extracted, concentrated, and processed into usable forms for downstream industries.
Refining & Grade Specs
Explore the refining methods, purity grades, and technical specifications that define Scandium products.
Recycling
Assess the recycling potential, current recovery rates, and circular economy opportunities for Scandium.
Substitutes
Evaluate possible substitutes and alternative materials that could reduce dependence on Scandium.
Investing
Understand the investment landscape for Scandium, including equities, ETFs, futures, and direct exposure strategies.
Price
Analyze Scandium pricing mechanisms, historical trends, benchmarks, and the factors that drive market volatility.
Companies
Identify the major miners, processors, and technology companies involved in the Scandium value chain.
Projects
Review the significant mining and processing projects shaping the future supply of Scandium worldwide.
Risks
Examine the supply risks, geopolitical vulnerabilities, and strategic concerns associated with Scandium.
Return to the full Mineral Library to explore other critical and strategic minerals.