Refining & Grade Specs

Scandium Refining Methods and Grade Specifications

The transformation of Scandium concentrate into refined products suitable for industrial use requires specialized metallurgical and chemical processes. Scandium is refined into 3 primary commercial forms, each serving specific end-use sectors.

Refining Processes

The primary refining and processing pathways for Scandium include:

1. Solvent extraction from acidic process solutions
2. Precipitation and calcination

Product Forms and Grade Specifications

Refined Scandium is available in the following commercial forms, each with specific purity requirements:

Quality Standards and Benchmarks

International standards for Scandium products are established by organizations such as ASTM International and various national standards bodies. Pricing is referenced against Asian Metals assessments. These standards define minimum purity levels, acceptable impurity limits, and testing methodologies that facilitate international trade.

Refining Capacity and Geography

Global refining capacity for Scandium is concentrated in a limited number of countries. China controls approximately 66% of primary production and plays a significant role in downstream refining. Efforts to diversify refining capacity are a key priority for governments seeking to reduce supply chain dependencies, particularly in the aluminum-scandium alloys for aerospace sector.