Victory Metals improved scandium recovery in testwork, potentially boosting project economics and supplying scarce scandium for high‑performance alloys.
Victory Metals Limited (ASX: VTM) said it has achieved a metallurgical breakthrough that materially improves scandium recovery as a by‑product from its operations.
The improved recovery in recent testwork could enhance project economics by adding a higher‑value revenue stream alongside primary commodities. Scandium, used primarily in aluminium‑scandium alloys for aerospace, high‑performance transport and emerging clean‑energy applications, faces tight global supply — so meaningful increases in recoverable volumes can command premium pricing.
Technically, the result reflects optimisation of the flowsheet and reagent profile during bench‑scale testwork, delivering better concentrate quality and simpler downstream processing. Victory Metals plans to follow up with pilot‑scale confirmation, further metallurgical optimisation and commercial engagement to firm up offtake and processing options.
Analysts say by‑product recovery improvements can materially change project returns by reducing net operating costs per payable unit and shortening payback timelines, though full financial benefits depend on scale‑up, capital requirements and market conditions. The company will provide further updates as engineering and commercial work progresses.