Sunrise Energy Metals, backed by billionaire Robert Friedland, has approved construction of its Syerston scandium project in New South Wales, Australia. The project aims to establish a significant source of scandium outside China, which has dominated the global market.
The project is estimated to cost $322 million. Construction and commissioning are expected to take 24 months. Production of high-purity scandium oxide is slated to begin in the second half of 2028, with annual output targeted at 60 tonnes.
The approval comes as Western nations seek alternative supply chains for critical materials. Beijing imposed export controls in 2025 that have severely restricted scandium flows.
Demand for scandium is projected to grow because it is used in high-strength aluminum alloys for aerospace and defense. Emerging applications include solid oxide fuel cells for AI data centers and advanced semiconductors.