Scandium - Production, Reserves & Supply Concentration
A metal used in aluminium alloys and solid oxide fuel cells.USGS provides a global production estimate, industry context and selected reserve information for scandium.
Scandium Global Production & Country Share
Measure: U.S. Scandium: Imports, scandium oxide (metric tons)
U.S. Supply, Consumption & Net Import Reliance (2021-2025)
| Salient Measure | Unit | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025e |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scandium: Imports, scandium oxide | metric tons | 1 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 4 |
| Scandium: U.S. Net Import Reliance | % of consumption | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Frequently Asked Questions - Scandium
What production statistics are available for scandium?
USGS provides a global production estimate, industry context and selected reserve information for scandium.
Does USGS publish a country reserve ranking for scandium?
The USGS chapter describes the available reserve information. USGS provides a global production estimate, industry context and selected reserve information for scandium.
What is US net import reliance and import sourcing for scandium?
In 2025, US net import reliance was reported at 100% (Net import reliance as a percentage of apparent consumption). Across 2021-24, leading US import sources (All) were Japan (89%), China (11%).
How is scandium classified on the US Critical Minerals List and what are its primary uses?
Status: Listed on 2025 US List (2022 & 2025 lists). Primary applications cited in USGS summaries include: High-strength weldable aluminum-scandium aerospace alloys and solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrolytes. Scandium is recovered primarily as a byproduct from titanium dioxide pigment waste liquors, rare-earth and uranium tailings, and nickel-cobalt laterite leach solutions. USGS reports global oxide capacity context rather than a full country mine ranking.