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Scandium

Scandium is a silvery-white rare earth element with the atomic number 21, valued for its ability to strengthen aluminium alloys and improve their performance at elevated temperatures. Although classified among the rare earths, scandium is geologically dispersed and rarely found in concentrated deposits, making its extraction economically challenging. It occurs as a trace element in a variety of ores, including bauxite, uranium tailings, nickel laterites and rare earth mineral deposits, and is typically recovered as a by-product during the processing of these materials. Scandium-aluminium alloys exhibit enhanced strength, weldability and corrosion resistance, and are used in aerospace components, sporting goods and additive manufacturing. The addition of small amounts of scandium to aluminium can reduce grain size and improve mechanical properties, making it attractive for high-performance applications. Global scandium production is limited, with supply historically dominated by Russia and China, though new projects in Australia, the Philippines and North America are seeking to diversify sources. Demand is growing as industries explore scandium's potential in solid oxide fuel cells, lighting and advanced materials. The metal is classified as a critical mineral by several governments, including the United States Department of Energy, owing to supply concentration and strategic importance. Recovery of scandium from mine tailings, bauxite residue and other secondary sources is an active area of research aimed at improving supply security and reducing environmental impact.

Scandium Updates


Rare earths
Victory Metals secures traditional owner consent on land use for rare earths mine in WA
3rd June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

ASX-listed heavy rare earths explorer Victory Metals has signed an agreement with the Wajarri Yamaji Aboriginal Corporation that helps facilitate the granting of a mining licence for the North... 


Alumina 'red mud' tailings site in Louisiana
Colorado School of Mines, ElementUSA awarded US gov funding to recover rare earths from alumina tailings
3rd June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Research university Colorado School of Mines and mid-stream minerals processing company ElementUSA have been awarded $67-million in funding from the US Department of Energy (DoE) to build a plant... 


Ramaco metallurgical coal mine, in the US
REalloys partners with met coal miner Ramaco in rare earths, scandium drive
29th May 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Vertically integrated US rare earth processing and magnet supply chain company REalloys has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with US-based metallurgical coal miner Ramaco Resources to... 


Rare earths ore
China says rare earth controls lawful, will cooperate with US on 'reasonable' concerns
20th May 2026 By: Reuters

China will work with the US on "reasonable" concerns regarding its rare earth export controls, the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday, in a statement that defended its restrictions as... 


Mixed rare earth sulphate
China agrees to address US concerns over rare earth shortages, says White House
18th May 2026 By: Reuters

China will address US concerns about shortages of certain specialty rare earths caused by Beijing's export controls, the White House said on May 17 in a factsheet outlining the major deals agreed... 


Image of mining truck
Hat polymetallic porphyry project, Canada
15th May 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Doubleview Gold Corp plans to develop a conventional large-scale openpit mine and processing operation. 


Ore recovered from the Sheep Creek project
USCM, Bayan to undertake metallurgical test programme at Montana rare earths mine
14th May 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

US exploration and technology company US Critical Material Corp (USCM) has entered into a nonbinding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ASX-listed Bayan Mining and Minerals to jointly evaluate... 


Fine scandium
Australian Mines announces $3m fundraise to advance Flemington PFS
4th May 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Following completion of the Flemington scandium project scoping study on April 28, Australian Mines has confirmed it will fast-track the project towards a prefeasibility study (PFS), while it has... 


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