Sunrise Energy Doubles Scandium Resource in Australia

Sunrise Energy Doubles Scandium Resource at Syerston Project

Sunrise Energy Metals (ASX: SRL), backed by Robert Friedland, has nearly doubled the scandium resource at its Syerston project in New South Wales. The updated resource now contains 19,007 tonnes of scandium at 414 ppm, marking a 98% increase since early 2025. At a higher cutoff grade of 600 ppm, scandium content jumped 161% to 1,155 tonnes. This significant expansion ranks Syerston among the world’s largest and highest-grade scandium projects, roughly 450 kilometers west of Sydney.

CEO Sam Riggall emphasized the strategic importance of Syerston amid global supply constraints, particularly after China’s April 2025 export restrictions. Sunrise Energy now focuses on completing the feasibility study and exploring financing options to advance the project. The company’s shares surged 13% to A$2.25, reaching its highest valuation in nearly three years at approximately A$265 million.

Scandium Supply Challenges and Sunrise’s Strategic Role

Global scandium production remains limited, with total output under 40 tonnes in 2022. Demand is projected to exceed 110 tonnes annually by 2026, driven primarily by the US, which consumes over 90% for aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing. China dominates supply, enforcing strict export controls that tighten the market. As a result, the Syerston scandium resource becomes crucial for Western supply chain security.

Robert Friedland highlighted the geopolitical importance of securing scandium, calling for a rebuilding of metal supply chains amid rising disruptions. Sunrise Energy aims to establish Australia as a reliable Western supplier of scandium oxide, filling a current production gap. The updated feasibility study, incorporating the larger resource base, is due by September’s end and will guide next steps toward production.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Sunrise Energy’s doubling of the scandium resource at Syerston significantly enhances Australia’s position in the critical metals sector. With China’s export curbs reshaping global supply, Syerston could become a linchpin in Western industries reliant on scandium. Investors and industrial stakeholders should watch the upcoming feasibility study closely, as it will determine project viability and financing paths. This development underscores the growing strategic race for critical battery and aerospace metals essential to clean energy and defense technologies.