Scandium Canada is developing one of the largest primary sources of scandium in the world.
In the mining-friendly jurisdiction of Québec, Scandium Canada Ltd. is currently developing one of the largest primary sources of scandium in the world, with its Crater Lake Project.
The project is unique as it is one of the only primary scandium deposits in the world and the only one that is as advanced down the development path as it is.
Scandium in Canada
Scandium, number 21 on the periodic table, has been identified as a critical metal by the governments of Canada, the US, and the EU.
Critical metals, such as copper, aluminum, manganese, indium, rare earth elements, helium, lithium, cobalt, graphite, and scandium all play key roles in carbon reduction efforts, and therefore, securing safe national supplies is an important goal for multiple countries.
When combined with aluminum, scandium creates different alloys that hold unique properties. Aluminium-scandium (AlSc) alloys create materials that are lightweight, strong, and corrosion resistant. Scandium is also a good conductor of electricity and heat. Aluminium-scandium (AlSc) wires could replace copper in the wiring of electric motors, significantly reducing the weight.
AlSc alloys are utilised in the manufacturing of high-performance components for aerospace, aircraft, missiles, and satellites. Green energy technology could also benefit from these alloys in electric vehicles (EV) frames and battery casings, as well as wind turbine parts. Scandium-oxide is currently used in solid oxide fuel cells.
Current scandium production is entirely the result of the production of another mineral. Being a by-product has numerous implications in terms of supply consistency, security, and the ability to respond to market demand with increased production.
Today, scandium is mainly obtained from Russia and China. Primary sources of scandium, such as the one found at the Crater Lake Project, are essential to the growth of the aluminium-scandium alloys markets, and the many potential commercial uses of the alloys.
Before industry commits to components that require an aluminium-scandium alloy, a dependable, long-term supply must be available. Crater Lake represents such a source of scandium; a safe, dependable, and long-term supply.
For example, AIRBUS SA has patented aluminum-scandium alloys for both welding of aircraft structures and as AM (advanced manufacturing) powders for 3D printing as a platform lightweighting product. Such a use-case scenario can only be implemented when large commercial quantities become available.
Scandium Canada’s team believes that a stable source of scandium will allow OEM players to begin incorporating Aluminium-scandium components into their product offerings with the confidence that they can access a supply of the AI-Sc alloy for an extended period. In support of this perspective, the company is engaging in discussions with potential end users, with the intention of signing agreements or LOIs for the scandium master alloy (AlSc 2%) it will produce.
Carbon neutrality, and the future
Mr Guy Bourassa, CEO of Scandium Canada, believes that scandium is the metal of the future due to its unique properties and applications that centre around carbon neutrality.
The limited supply has constrained the market utilisation to date. With a dependable supply, the expected potential market is significant. Primary sources of scandium such as the Crater Lake Project are the reliable sources that the sector needs.
It is anticipated that the Automotive industry could be a large consumer of aluminium-scandium alloys as the number of parts where the alloys can be incorporated are extensive. Components such as the chassis, battery casing, and heat exchangers are just a few examples. The reduction of weight, especially for EV, and more efficient components will have a significant impact on the performance and range of EVs.
Similarly, the aerospace industry could benefit from the integration of aluminum-scandium alloy parts. Reducing the weight of an aeroplane will significantly reduce its carbon emissions and operating costs.
Quebec: A unique mining opportunity
The company’s Crater Lake Project is located in Quebec, about 200km north of the town of Schefferville. The project has significant blue-sky potential both in the amount of scandium-oxide that can be produced as well as the life of the mine.
The project has progressed from an exploration stage to a development stage over the last few years. A preliminary economic assessment (PEA) on the project was released in 2022, a 43-101 resource estimate update was filed in June 2023 and work to complete a pre-feasibility study is currently underway.
The current life of mine is 25 years with over 40 years in potential resources; however, this is based on the resource estimate contained within a 350m long zone in one of multiple showings identified within the 47km² mining rights owned. The project’s full strike zone is 14km in length. The potential for significant growth in the project capacity is untested, as there are multiple additional zones to drill. The company feels it has barely scratched the surface of the project’s full potential.
At present, the resource is open in all directions and at depth where it thickens and gets richer in concentration. The company will run an in-fill drilling programme for the summer 2024 season to convert inferred resources to be measured and indicated in the TG Zone, where the initial mine will be developed.
The Provincial Governments of Quebec, Newfoundland, and Labrador, as well as the Government of Canada currently offer numerous grant programmes specifically for critical minerals projects. These grants are designed to support mine development and construction. The grants cover infrastructure, ground work, and technology implementation. These grants require a percentage of matched funds to be raised by the company. Scandium Canada has submitted applications in for a number of these relevant grants.
Relationship with First Nations
The corporation is aware of and adheres to the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as recently ratified by Canada, particularly with regards to obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of the Indigenous peoples for the development and use of their lands, territories, and other resources.
The corporation recently signed a pre-development agreement with the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach in order to establish a framework, through various undertakings to continue the current relationship in a mutually beneficial manner with regards to the corporation’s activities on the Crater Lake property.
Furthermore, in the spirit of current and future co-operation, the corporation and the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach have negotiated that pre-development agreement to be a binding declaration of the principles they intend to build on for the negotiations of a final agreement – a Socio-Economic Participation Agreement (SEPA), also commonly known as an Impact and Benefit Agreement (IBA) for the property – at the earliest reasonable opportunity and before the commencement of any construction works.
Upcoming catalysts
This year’s focus will be the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) and activities that support the PFS completion. On site work will include geotechnical work and infill drilling, as metallurgical pilot tests are being conducted in Lakefield SGS facilities. On site work will begin in early summer 2024.
In addition, the company will continue to seek potential partnerships and pursue ongoing discussions with communities to advance pre-development agreements.
Please note, this article will also appear in the 18th edition of our quarterly publication.
