Scandium found at planned Central Ostrobothnia titanium mine

Scandium has been found in the area of a planned titanium mine in Central Ostrobothnia, Yle reports. It occurs alongside ilmenite, a titanium compound.

The European Union classifies scandium as a critical raw material because of its economic importance and the need to secure supplies. It is used in the aerospace and defence industries, vehicles, solid oxide fuel cells and electronics.

Scandium can strengthen aluminium and improve its weldability, but extracting it from ilmenite is difficult. Titanor, the company planning the mine, says it will investigate how the scandium could be used.

Chief executive Mikko Sopanen estimates that the mine, planned across Halsua, Toholampi and Kokkola, could begin operating early next decade. Preliminary plans say it would produce enough ilmenite concentrate each year to meet about 10 per cent of EU demand.

The mine would employ 140 people, with substantially more workers needed during construction. Sopanen said the EU currently has no titanium production.