Scandium Canada Ltd. has announced significant progress in establishing a fully integrated scandium supply chain, from mining to various downstream applications.
The company’s flagship project, Crater Lake, located in northeastern Quebec, stands out as one of the few primary scandium deposits globally.
This project aims to address the growing concerns of manufacturers who seek reliable scandium supplies for integration into their value chains.
Guy Bourassa, CEO of Scandium Canada, explained: “We strongly believe in the development of a scandium ecosystem including multiple producers and users to promote a sustainable scandium market.
“Our results are an important step towards establishing a fully integrated scandium supply chain to realise the full potential of our Crater Lake project.
“Our research efforts support developing new market applications of aluminium scandium alloys. Developing new markets for aluminium scandium alloys is crucial because potential users have hesitated to rely two on foreign sources of scandium.
“By establishing domestic sources and integrating them into various industries, we can ensure a stable and reliable supply of this valuable material, encouraging broader adoption and innovation.”
Advancements in 3D printing
Since 2021, Scandium Canada has been collaborating with McMaster University to revolutionise the 3D printing of aluminium-scandium powders.
These powders, developed by Scandium Canada, are proprietary and tailored for producing parts that are challenging to manufacture using traditional methods.
The company is proud to report the successful 3D printing of two aluminium alloys modified with scandium. Previous attempts faced issues with solidification cracking, but these have now been resolved.
A comprehensive summary of this breakthrough has been submitted to patent lawyers for review, with potential patent applications on the horizon. The company is now focused on integrating these findings into industries with short adoption cycles.
Active discussions with industrial players are underway to test the printed products and assess their properties for various applications.
Innovative industrial uses for aluminium-scandium alloys
Scandium Canada has identified multiple industrial uses for aluminium-scandium alloys, with one significant application being in the frames of solar panels.
These alloys offer a combination of lightweight and high-strength properties, making them ideal for enhancing the efficiency and performance of solar panel frames.
As the solar panel industry continues to grow rapidly, there is an urgent need to reduce its carbon footprint. Incorporating aluminium-scandium alloys into solar panel frames can help achieve this goal by reducing the overall weight and improving the durability of the frames.
The company is currently designing test alloys to extrude complex profiles for solar panel frames, which will be tested by a major solar panel manufacturer. Details of this agreement and the testing programme will be shared with the market as progress is made.
Solar photovoltaic industry’s growth
The global solar photovoltaic industry has experienced substantial year-on-year growth, driven by the increasing adoption of renewable energy and advancements in solar technology.
With growing environmental awareness and supportive government policies, the industry has seen significant expansion. This growth contributes to reducing carbon emissions and providing sustainable energy solutions.
Additionally, the declining costs and improved efficiency of solar panels have further fuelled the global growth of the solar photovoltaic industry, positioning solar energy as a key player in the global energy landscape.
Scandium Canada remains committed to driving innovation and sustainability through its integrated scandium supply chain, supporting the future of renewable energy and advanced manufacturing technologies.
