Scandium
Projects
Major Scandium Projects Worldwide
The development pipeline for Scandium projects spans exploration through production across multiple jurisdictions. We track 3 key projects that will shape the future supply landscape for this specialty metal.
Current Production
25
tonnes
Top Producer
China
66% share
Projects Tracked
3
Reserves
~14 million tonnes (scandium-bearing laterites)
Scandium Project Pipeline
The following projects represent the most significant Scandium operations and development-stage assets worldwide:
Rio Tinto Scandium (Sorel-Tracy)
Rio Tinto
Planned scandium recovery from existing titanium slag processing; could leverage massive existing throughput for low-cost scandium production
Sunrise Project
Sunrise Energy Metals
Polymetallic laterite project in NSW with significant scandium byproduct
NioCorp Elk Creek
NioCorp Developments
Proposed niobium-scandium-titanium mine in Nebraska with significant scandium output
Government Support and Strategic Initiatives
Recognizing the strategic importance of Scandium, governments in major consuming nations have launched programs to support project development. These include direct financing, loan guarantees, streamlined permitting, and bilateral resource partnerships. As a USGS-listed critical mineral, Scandium projects are eligible for various U.S. government support mechanisms including the Defense Production Act Title III program. EU Critical Raw Materials Act provisions enable fast-track permitting and financing support for Scandium projects within the EU and partner nations.
Key Industry Developments
Recent developments affecting the Scandium project landscape:
Scandium prices fell from $5,000+/kg to $3,000/kg as new supply sources emerged from Chinese rare earth and titanium processing
Growing interest in SOFC fuel cells and Al-Sc alloys for defense applications increased scandium demand projections
Rio Tinto announced plans to produce scandium from its Quebec titanium operations, potentially transforming the supply landscape
More on Scandium
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Uses & Applications
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Supply Chain
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Mining & Processing
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Refining & Grade Specs
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Recycling
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Substitutes
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