Greece is taking a major step into the world of rare and strategic metals with plans to start scandium extraction. This valuable element, primarily used in aerospace and high-performance alloys, has long been considered a game-changer for advanced industries.
A New Era in Greek Mining
Following its involvement in gallium extraction, Metlen is now preparing to mine germanium and scandium, according to CEO Evangelos Mytilineos. While details remain scarce, the company is expected to unveil its plans at an investor event in London in late April.
What Is Scandium?
Scandium (Sc) is a rare earth metal with atomic number 21 and an atomic mass of 44.955 u. Though less well-known than other rare earth elements like neodymium or lanthanum, it plays a crucial role in aerospace, high-performance alloys, and electronics.
How Scandium Is Mined
Scandium is one of the rarest elements on Earth, typically extracted as a byproduct from the processing of uranium, thorium, and bauxite ores. The leading producers of scandium include:
China (the dominant global supplier)
Russia
Australia
Ukraine
Kazakhstan
Because scandium is rarely found in high concentrations, its extraction is often tied to other mining operations rather than dedicated mines.
Scandium in Greece
Greece is home to rich bauxite deposits, which contain small amounts of scandium. Bauxite mining is primarily carried out by ELMIN Bauxites S.A. and Aluminium of Greece. Although scandium production is not yet widespread in Greece, research is underway to explore its potential extraction from aluminum production residues.
In 2021, the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) participated in EU-funded projects focused on scandium recovery from Greek sources. If technology advances allow for efficient extraction, Greece could emerge as a scandium producer in the future.
Key Uses of Scandium
Scandium’s unique properties make it highly valuable across various industries:
Aerospace Industry
Scandium-aluminum (Sc-Al) alloys are exceptionally lightweight and durable, making them ideal for aircraft, spacecraft, and missile components.
Sports Equipment
High-performance bicycles, golf clubs, and baseball bats incorporate scandium alloys to reduce weight and enhance strength.
High-Intensity Lighting
Scandium is used in metal halide lamps, which produce bright white light commonly found in TV studios, stadiums, and public lighting.
Nuclear Energy
Scandium is being explored for nuclear fusion applications, though its use remains in the research phase.
Electronics & Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Scandium compounds play a role in solid-state electrolytes for hydrogen fuel cells, which are crucial for clean energy technologies.
Scandium Prices: One of the Most Expensive Metals
Due to its rarity and complex extraction process, scandium commands some of the highest prices among industrial metals:
Scandium oxide (Sc₂O₃): $3,000–$5,000 per kilogram
99.9% pure scandium metal: Over $10,000 per kilogram
Scandium-aluminum alloys: Prices can reach $15,000–$20,000 per kilogram, depending on scandium content.
Greece’s Role in the Global Scandium Market
While not yet a major producer, Greece’s bauxite deposits provide an opportunity for scandium recovery, potentially boosting the country's role in the strategic metals market. Given scandium's high price, any breakthrough in efficient extraction techniques could position Greece as a key player in supplying this valuable resource.
As demand for lightweight, high-strength materials grows in sectors like aerospace and clean energy, scandium’s importance—and its price—are expected to rise even further.
