Uses & Applications

Applications and End-Uses for Scandium

Scandium (Sc) is a high-criticality specialty metal with a diverse range of industrial and technological applications. As global demand for advanced materials intensifies, understanding where and how Scandium is consumed provides essential context for supply chain planning, investment analysis, and policy development.

Key Applications

The primary end-uses of Scandium span multiple sectors, each contributing to its classification as a critical material. The following applications represent the most significant sources of global demand:

• Aluminum-scandium alloys for aerospace — Scandium plays a vital role in aluminum-scandium alloys for aerospace, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Solid oxide fuel cells — Scandium plays a vital role in solid oxide fuel cells, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Sports equipment — Scandium plays a vital role in sports equipment, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• 3D printing metal powders — Scandium plays a vital role in 3d printing metal powders, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.

Sector Breakdown

The largest consuming sector for Scandium is aluminum-scandium alloys for aerospace, which accounts for a substantial share of global demand. The second most significant application is solid oxide fuel cells, which has shown strong growth in recent years driven by technology adoption and regulatory requirements. Emerging applications across clean energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing are expected to expand the demand profile for Scandium in the coming decade.

Demand Outlook

With a criticality level of high and a supply risk rating of high, the demand trajectory for Scandium is closely monitored by governments and industry analysts. Its inclusion on the USGS critical minerals list underscores the strategic importance of securing stable supply for domestic industries. The European Union has similarly recognized its importance through inclusion on the EU Critical Raw Materials list. Growing demand from electrification, digitalization, and defense modernization programs is expected to place additional pressure on existing supply chains.