Global demand for scandium oxide may triple by 2035, driven by growing use in aerospace, defence, and automotive applications, according to a new report by EY-Parthenon.
The study forecasts demand rising from the current 60–80 tonnes per year to 191 tonnes by 2035. By 2050, demand is projected to reach 706 tonnes under EY-Parthenon’s most likely scenario.
The biggest growth driver is aluminium-scandium alloys, which are increasingly used to produce lighter, stronger components. By 2050, the aerospace sector alone is expected to account for 243 tonnes of scandium demand, followed by automotive at 128 tonnes and defence at 92 tonnes.
Supply deficit looms
While demand accelerates, global supply is expected to lag significantly.
EY-Parthenon projects a supply deficit emerging by 2035, with the shortfall widening throughout the forecast period. By 2050, annual supply is forecast to reach just 266 tonnes, well below the projected demand of 706 tonnes.
The report also highlights the lack of primary scandium production worldwide. As of June 2026, scandium is produced exclusively as a by-product of mining other metals, with no operation producing it as its primary commodity.
Primary scandium project
The study was commissioned by Scandium Canada (TSX-V:SCD), which is advancing what it says is North America’s largest primary scandium project.
Its Crater Lake Project in Nunavik, Québec, hosts at least five prospective zones identified through exploration since 2010.
The most advanced, the TG deposit, contains an indicated resource of 16.3 million tonnes grading 277.9 grams per tonne scandium oxide, along with an inferred resource of 20.9 million tonnes grading 271.7g/t scandium oxide.
Scandium Canada is targeting annual production of 91 tonnes of scandium oxide, based on results from a 500kg pilot plant completed last year.
“Scandium is one of the few metals where projected demand grows this steeply while supply remains a by-product of other metal production,” Scandium Canada CEO Guy Bourassa says.
The EY-Parthenon study is expected to provide data for an upcoming Prefeasibility Study on Crater Lake this year.
Beyond mining, the company is also looking to capture value further down the supply chain through its Scalium+ subsidiary, which specialises in developing aluminium-scandium alloy applications.
Scandium Canada is a critical minerals company developing North America’s only primary scandium source at its Crater Lake Project.
Write to Jackson Chen at Mining.com.au
Images: Scandium Canada
