Scandium Market

Scandium Market Size:

The global scandium market size reached US$ 591.4 Million in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 1,050.2 Million by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% during 2024-2032. The market is primarily driven by the growing usage of lightweight, high-performance alloys in aerospace and automotive industries, significant expansion in the electric vehicle market, and favorable government policies to reduce the scandium import dependency.

Scandium Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The recent increased demand for scandium is attributed to the advanced aerospace applications, where its alloying characteristics help enhance the strength and durability of materials. Besides, solid oxide fuel cells widely use scandium-stabilized zirconia which find applications in energy-efficient and eco-friendly power production.
• Key Market Trends: The increasing development of scandium for the application of lightweight aluminum-scandium alloys for the aerospace and automobile industries is putting efforts to reduce the weight of vehicles while at the same time considerably improving fuel efficiency. In addition to this, R&D is concerned with the development of the capabilities of scandium in three-dimensional printing materials and unlocking newer applications in manufacturing complex parts for the automotive and aerospace industry.
• Geographical Trends: The North American scandium market is widely driven by a strong zeal for the adoption of scandium-enhanced material in the defense and aerospace industries. Besides, the Asia-Pacific region is driven by rapid industrial growth in China and India due to the high demand for value-added materials in electronics and aerospace sectors.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the leading scandium companies include Australian Mines Limited, Galileo Resources PLC, GFS Chemicals Inc., Hunan Oriental Scandium Co. Ltd., Lenntech B.V., Materion Corporation, Merck KGaA, Niocorp Developments Ltd., Platina Resources Limited, Scandium International Mining Corporation, Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., among many others.
• Challenges and Opportunities: The main challenges in the scandium market are the high cost and limited availability of the metal which hinders its adoption across the globe. On the other hand, opportunities lie in increasing scandium production through mining projects outside current major producing countries, complemented by improved extraction technologies, which could reduce costs and increase commercial use.
   

Scandium Market Trends:

Aerospace and Defense Industry Demand

Scandium's incorporation into aerospace and defense sectors is instrumental due to its attributes that enhance the performance of aluminum alloys, making them lighter and stronger. This application is critical for producing more efficient aerospace structures and military equipment. As per the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the overall active general aviation fleet is projected to change from 212,875 aircraft in 2018 to 211,575 by the year 2039. There is a substantial emphasis on incorporating advanced materials like scandium alloys to innovate and improve defense capabilities. These investments boost the development of scandium-enhanced materials as they fulfill the stringent requirements of modern aerospace engineering and defense systems. Furthermore, continuous R&D facilitated by government funding promotes innovation and expands the uses of scandium, therefore driving its market growth. As these industries move toward materials with higher strength-to-weight ratios for added fuel efficiency and performance, scandium's value becomes increasingly critical, making it a key base for future defense and aerospace developments.

Growth in the Electric Vehicle (EV) Market

The expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) market considerably boosts the demand for scandium, which is widely employed in the manufacturing of lightweight aluminum-scandium alloys for various EV components. According to the Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership, a study by state grid forecasts that, the share of China’s electricity in transport sector will reach 10% in 2025, which increased from 5% in 2015 and which will further increase to 15% in 2030 and 25% in 2040. Besides, electric vehicle sales continued growing in China, starting from 5,600 units in 2011, reaching 45,000 pieces in 2014, and expanding to 740,000 pieces in 2016. By 2017, China had produced approximately 770,000 EVs and had a total of about 2 million EVs. By 2030, China is expected to have close to 50 million electric vehicles, with a dedicated electricity demand for electric vehicle charging of 200 TWh annually. According to the Society of Automotive Engineering of China, car sales in 2030 will total 38 million, with 15 million or 40% being electric vehicles. Besides, scandium alloys meet the requirement in lightening vehicle weights which increases their performances and efficiency of batteries. Along with this, several governments across major economies like the U.S., China, and the European Union are pushing for higher EV sales through regulations and targets while supporting technological advancements that include the use of scandium. Hence, this regulatory push combined with the advantages provided by scandium alloys places the material at the forefront of critical resources needed to meet the burgeoning demand of the EV market.

Supportive Government Initiatives

Various governments are implementing strategic measures to secure scandium supply and promote its utilization across various industries as they recognize scandium as a critical mineral. In the United States, the Department of Energy, in conjunction with other entities within the European Union and Australia, has earmarked funds and subsidies explicitly designed to improve scandium mining capabilities and decrease reliance on imports. For instance, on 9 November 2023, Scandium International Mining Corp. announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, EMC Metals Australia Pty Ltd, has initiated physical development at the Nyngan Scandium Project, after positive results of the 2023 Nyngan drilling program. The Nyngan Scandium project is situated 17.5 kilometers south-southwest of Nyngan in western New South Wales, Australia. The Nyngan scandium project will be the world's first scandium-only mining operation, focusing on a high-demand metal identified as critical by the governments of Australia, Canada, and the United States. This development presents a significant opportunity for New South Wales to become a world leader in the responsible supply of critical minerals. Therefore, positive government initiatives secure supplies of scandium and stabilize the markets which push scandium to the forefront of high-tech industries and sustainable development projects.

Scandium Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on product type, application and end use industry.

Breakup by Product Type:

• Oxide
• Fluoride
• Chloride
• Nitrate
• Iodide
• Alloy
• Others
   

Fluoride accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product type. This includes oxide, fluoride, chloride, nitrate, iodide, alloy, and others. According to the report, fluoride represented the largest segment.

Fluoride is emerging as the largest segment due to its extensive use in high-intensity metal halide lamps and electronics. Additionally, it serves as a superior material for solid oxide fuel cells owing to its exceptional electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion. Moreover, various industries heavily rely on this compound to enhance the performance of lighter aerospace structures and sporting goods, further boosting its demand. The versatility of scandium fluoride, combined with its integral role in various high-tech applications, positions it at the forefront of the scandium market, reflecting broader trends toward efficiency and performance enhancement across multiple sectors.

Breakup by Application:

• Aluminum-scandium Alloys
• High-intensity Metal Halide Lamps
• Lasers
• Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
   

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application have also been provided in the report. This includes aluminum-scandium alloys, high-intensity metal halide lamps, lasers, and solid oxide fuel cells.

The aluminum-scandium alloy segment represents a significant share of the scandium market, which is largely driven by the aerospace and automotive sectors. Alloys of this type, when combined with small amounts of scandium, exhibit superior properties such as increased strength, reduced grain size, and improved weldability which helps aircraft and vehicles with superior performance properties. Also, the rising demand in this industry is significantly influenced by the growing importance of reducing carbon emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency, thus making lightweight materials increasingly crucial. Hence key players are introducing advanced product variants to meet these needs. For instance, on 18 October 2023, NioCorp Developments Ltd. and its development partner, Nanoscale Powders LLC achieved the successful production of a 1-kilogram ingot of aluminum-scandium alloy at the creative engineer’s facility in New Freedom, Pennsylvania.

Moreover, high-intensity metal halide lamps scandium serves as an additive to improve the quality and efficiency of light produced. These lamps are widely used in large-scale lighting applications, such as stadiums, industrial facilities, and public spaces, where strong, reliable lighting is essential. Additionally, the addition of scandium allows these lamps to produce a light that closely resembles natural daylight enhancing visibility and color rendering. Besides, this segment is primarily driven by the growing urban infrastructure and the increasing demand for energy-efficient lighting solutions.

Laser scandium finds applications in various laser technologies, particularly those used in scientific research, military, and medical applications. Also, lasers made from scandium are valued for their ability to generate specific wavelengths of laser beams with accuracy and control. These characteristics make them suitable for primary research, surgical procedures, and specific military uses where precision is crucial. In addition, demand for scandium in lasers is driven by innovations in medical equipment and increased defense spending on modern communication and weaponry systems.

Besides, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) use scandium-stabilized zirconia as an electrolyte to enhance their performances at lower temperatures, thus leading to more efficient and stable energy production. This segment is gathering momentum due to the global shift toward sustainable energy sources, coupled with the increasing diffusion of fuel cell technology across stationary, portable, and transportation applications. Additionally, scandium incorporation in solid oxide fuel cells enables SOFCs to have longer operational lifetimes and improve fuel utilization efficiency, solving some of the key issues in fuel cell technology. As governments and private sectors have been investing more in renewable energy infrastructure and technologies, the future demand for scandium is anticipated to drive growth in the market and present great opportunities for market development.

Breakup by End Use Industry:

• Aerospace and Defense
• Ceramics
• Lighting
• Electronics
• 3D Printing
• Sporting Goods
• Others
   

Aerospace and Defence represent the leading market segment 

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end use industry. This includes aerospace and defense, ceramics, lighting, electronics, 3d printing, sporting goods, and others. According to the report, aerospace and defense represented the largest segment.

Aerospace and defense are emerging as the dominant sectors. Scandium is mainly used to enhance the performance properties of aluminum alloys, making them lightweight and resistant to corrosion. These value-added alloys have tremendous demand in aircraft manufacturing for numerous components, which facilitate reduced fuel consumption and increased payload. Furthermore, the demand from the aerospace industry is fuelled by the unceasing pursuit of greater efficiency and performance optimization, coupled with surging commercial aviation production rates. Additionally, scandium finds its way into solid oxide fuel cells, also employed in clean energy applications, further expanding its applicability in advanced aerospace design and various defense systems. For instance, on 13 July 2023, NioCorp Developments Ltd., also known as NioCorp, commended the U.S. House Armed Services Committee for emphasizing that the aluminum-scandium master alloy is important to the United States for its applications in numerous defense platforms.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

North America leads the market, accounting for the largest scandium market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America was the largest regional market for scandium.

As per the scandium market industry overview, North America is emerging as the largest segment owing to its expanding aerospace and defense industries that use large quantities of scandium in high-performance alloys. The region has an advanced technological infrastructure coupled with research and development activities concerning various applications of scandium. Moreover, the increasing consumption of scandium in SOFCs also helps the market growth, as the renewable creation of energy is increasing, majorly across the U.S. and Canada. Besides, supportive governmental policies toward research and development of rare earth minerals support the market growth. For instance, on 28 September 2023, NioCorp Developments Ltd. announced that it intends to make available an aluminum-scandium master alloy product (Al-Sc MA) in the US market. This initiative, stemming from its proposed mining and processing facilities at the Elk Creek Project, is contingent upon securing project financing and initiating mining operations. The introduction of this alloy is aimed at enabling commercial and defense manufacturers to substitute certain aluminum components in vehicles with scandium-enriched alternatives. These scandium-containing aluminum alloys are notable for their enhanced strength, resistance to corrosion, and weldability, offering considerable improvements in properties and potential for reducing weight, especially in transportation.

Competitive Landscape:

• The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the scandium industry include Australian Mines Limited, Galileo Resources PLC, GFS Chemicals Inc., Hunan Oriental Scandium Co. Ltd., Lenntech B.V., Materion Corporation, Merck KGaA, Niocorp Developments Ltd., Platina Resources Limited, Scandium International Mining Corporation, Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
  
  (Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
   
• At present, key players in the scandium market are actively employing strategies to bolster their market positions and tap into the growing demand for scandium-enhanced products. These strategies include expanding production capabilities, securing scandium resources through strategic partnerships, and investing in research and development to innovate new applications. For instance, companies are forming alliances with mining operations to ensure a stable and cost-effective supply of scandium. They are also focusing on developing proprietary technologies to extract and refine scandium more efficiently, reducing overall production costs and enhancing product quality. Moreover, market leaders are working closely with end-users in the aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries to tailor scandium alloys that meet specific performance requirements. These collaborative efforts not only secure long-term contracts but also open new avenues for scandium applications, driving both market growth and technological advancement.

Scandium Market News:

• 30 January 2024, NioCorp Developments Ltd. collaborated with Brunel University London. This collaboration will focus on developing new aluminum-scandium alloys and their applications, specifically targeting the automotive industry. Brunel University is renowned worldwide for its research on the use of cast aluminium alloys.
• 28 April 2023, Rio Tinto has finalized an agreement to purchase the Platina Scandium Project from Platina Resources Limited for $14 Million. This project, located near Condobolin in central New South Wales, features a scalable, high-grade scandium resource with the potential to produce about 40 tonnes of scandium oxide annually over an estimated 30 years. Additionally, Rio Tinto currently extracts scandium oxide from waste streams produced during titanium dioxide manufacturing in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec. The operationalization of the Platina scandium project would allow Rio Tinto to significantly increase its scandium output each year. This purchase is part of Rio Tinto's strategic initiative to expand its portfolio of materials critical for supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Scandium Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the scandium market from 2018-2032.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global scandium market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the scandium industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.