ASX-listed Sunrise Energy Metals, which is led by chairperson Robert Friedland and and CEO Sam Riggall, has decided to proceed with the development of the Syerston scandium project, in New South Wales, Australia.

The defining feature of this project, the company highlights, is its potential to become the world’s first major source of primary mine supply of scandium, thereby establishing a new, scalable and reliable source of production for global end-users.

“Our decision to proceed with development of the Syerston scandium project follows extensive technical development, engineering, permitting and commercial engagement, and reflects the board’s confidence in the quality of the Syerston resource and the significant market opportunity ahead of us,” Friedland says.

Sunrise notes that, since the imposition of Chinese critical minerals exports in 2025, scandium supply to key Western markets has “all but ceased”.

The company adds that its decision to proceed with the development of Syerston represents a significant step towards establishing a secure, large-scale and independent source of scandium supply outside of China, positioning Sunrise to support the development of new technologies and increasingly diversified Western critical mineral supply chains.

“Scandium has long been recognised for its exceptional properties and potential across a range of advanced technologies, but its adoption has been constrained by the absence of reliable, scalable supply.

“Syerston has the potential to fundamentally change that dynamic by delivering a secure, long-term and primary source of high-purity scadium to global markets,” Friedland says.

This project is expected to process 64 000 t/y of ore to produce 60 000 t/y of high-purity scandium oxide.

The project boasts a high-grade ore deposit, efficient extraction and processing technology proven through extensive pilot testing, a 32-year mine life providing production stability and a good strategic location in New South Wales that provides established infrastructure.

The company also highlights that procurement readiness has progressed significantly, with key long-lead equipment packages advanced through tender evaluation and supplier selection processes.

Engineering and procurement for this project’s water infrastructure has also advanced, including the completion of the State 2 pipeline design, the preparation of construction drawings and the procurement of critical equipment.

Sunrise’s positive final investment decision has been supported by the conditional commitment of up to $400-million in long-term debt financing from the US Department of War’s Office of Strategic Capital and, as of September 30, the company also has $148.1-million in available cash on hand.

The company is targeting first production of scandium in the second half of 2028.