Scandium Canada Ltd. has formalized its partnership with Québec-based engineering firm Norda Stelo through a service agreement for the completion of the pre-feasibility study for the Crater Lake project. The company confirmed the timeline for delivery of the study's conclusions remains summer 2026, with the final report expected at the end of August 2026. This development represents a critical advancement for what could become North America's primary source of scandium, a rare earth element essential for manufacturing high-performance aluminum-scandium alloys.
Norda Stelo will oversee the overall completion of the pre-feasibility study, which includes integrating the "Updated Mineral Resource Estimate" NI 43-101 technical report from April 2025. According to the agreement, tasks related to metallurgical processes and recovery will be handled separately by firms selected by Scandium Canada. The engineering firm brings substantial expertise to the project, operating both in Canada and internationally with nearly 900 employees specializing in infrastructure, transportation, natural resources, energy, and manufacturing projects.
"We are very excited about the progress being made. Thanks to the exercise of warrants since December 1st, we are able to advance the project to another pivotal milestone," said Guy Bourassa, CEO of Scandium Canada. The Crater Lake project encompasses significant infrastructure development including mining facilities with a camp, power generation systems, an airstrip, and the construction of a hydrometallurgy plant in the Schefferville region. The company is also engaged in advanced discussions regarding analysis of an access road project from Schefferville to the Crater Lake site, though this component would not be included in the current pre-feasibility study scope.
The implications of this announcement extend beyond corporate development to broader industrial and environmental considerations. Scandium Canada's ultimate goal involves bringing the world's leading primary source of scandium into production, enabling the development and commercialization of aluminum-scandium alloys. These advanced materials address growing needs for lighter, greener, and longer-lasting high-performance materials across aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics industries. The company's approach emphasizes building a more responsible economy through innovation and agility while positioning itself as a potential market leader in scandium supply.
Forward-looking statements in the announcement highlight both the potential and uncertainties surrounding the project. Readers are cautioned that actual outcomes may differ from current expectations due to various risk factors. Additional information regarding these risks and the company's disclosures can be found through regulatory filings on the SEDAR+ website. The company maintains its corporate website at www.scandium-canada.com for general information purposes.
This pre-feasibility study represents more than just a technical assessment—it marks progress toward establishing a North American supply chain for critical materials needed in advanced manufacturing. As industries worldwide seek lighter, stronger materials to improve energy efficiency and product performance, the development of scandium resources takes on increased strategic importance. The successful completion of this study could position Scandium Canada as a key player in materials innovation while contributing to regional economic development in Québec's resource sector.
