# Scandium Mining News in Western Australia Canonical page: https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news?commodities=scandium®ions=australia_wa Atlas summarizes and classifies mining-industry stories from third-party publishers. Follow each source link for the original reporting. Results: 8 Returned: 8 Coverage: drill results, resource updates, and metallurgy; primary commodity matching; all time unless dates are supplied. Region: Western Australia (australia_wa) Commodity: Scandium (scandium) Applied filters: {"regions":["australia_wa"],"commodities":["scandium"],"commodity_scope":"primary","document_types":["drill_results","resource_update","metallurgy"],"document_type_match":"any"} Sort: published_at desc Offset: 0; page size: 10 ## WC1: Scandium Leach Testwork Delivers Promising Early Results - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/wc1-scandium-leach-testwork-delivers-promising-early-results--71d37788-e477-4a1e-b66e-d565b7c350ee) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/wc1-scandium-leach-testwork-delivers-promising-early-results--71d37788-e477-4a1e-b66e-d565b7c350ee.md) - Original announcement: 2026-10-18T21:08:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: 2026-10-18T22:26:03.885Z - Atlas analysis updated: 2026-10-18T22:26:03.885Z - Company: West Cobar Metals Limited (WC1) - Original source: [asx](https://www.asx.com.au/asx/v2/statistics/displayAnnouncement.do?display=pdf&idsId=03153715) - Atlas sentiment: 0.527 - Atlas tags: Preliminary Testwork, Impurity Reduction Potential, Process Optimization Identified, Refractory Ore, Bench Scale Only, Single Domain Only, QP/CP Signed, Heap Leach Route West Cobar Metals announced promising early results from sulfuric acid leach testwork on scandium mineralization at its Salazar Critical Minerals Project in Western Australia. The preliminary findings indicate that sulfuric acid is effective for scandium leaching and suggest that limiting leach time to six hours can significantly reduce aluminium dissolution while maintaining scandium extraction. This optimization potential is a positive step for developing an integrated processing flowsheet, though further work is required to confirm these results and assess variability. ## West Cobar Metals tests a finer recipe for Salazar scandium - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/west-cobar-metals-tests-a-finer-recipe-for-salazar-scandium--fbc7f4e6-14fc-4f10-a1ba-579532223291) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/west-cobar-metals-tests-a-finer-recipe-for-salazar-scandium--fbc7f4e6-14fc-4f10-a1ba-579532223291.md) - Original announcement: 2026-10-14T23:40:50.000Z - Atlas analysis published: 2026-10-15T01:02:09.312Z - Atlas analysis updated: 2026-10-15T01:02:09.312Z - Company: West Cobar Metals (WC1) - Original source: [stockhead](https://stockhead.com.au/resources/west-cobar-metals-tests-a-finer-recipe-for-salazar-scandium/) - Atlas sentiment: 0.358 - Atlas tags: Bench Scale Only, Inferred Resource, Mill Route, Gravity Route, Single Domain Only West Cobar Metals has reported positive initial sizing test results at its Salazar project, where material finer than 38 micrometres concentrated 61% of the scandium in 51% of the mass while reducing iron content. The company is now proceeding with magnetic and gravity separation tests to further optimize the scandium flowsheet. ## WC1: Salazar Scandium Beneficiation Testwork Underway - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/wc1-salazar-scandium-beneficiation-testwork-underway--8dd68f77-a058-4822-8cbf-c18c460f0609) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/wc1-salazar-scandium-beneficiation-testwork-underway--8dd68f77-a058-4822-8cbf-c18c460f0609.md) - Original announcement: 2026-10-14T21:14:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: 2026-10-14T22:31:12.303Z - Atlas analysis updated: 2026-10-14T22:31:12.303Z - Company: West Cobar Metals Limited (WC1) - Original source: [asx](https://www.asx.com.au/asx/v2/statistics/displayAnnouncement.do?display=pdf&idsId=03152570) - Atlas sentiment: 0.292 - Atlas tags: Recovery Improving, Bench Scale Only, Refractory Ore, Single Domain Only, QP/CP Signed, Heap Leach Route, Mill Route, Gravity Route, Multi-Domain Tested West Cobar Metals Limited has commenced a significant front-end beneficiation testwork program for scandium at its Salazar Critical Minerals Project in Western Australia, with initial results showing a positive start. Size-fraction analysis by ALS (Perth) indicates that scandium preferentially concentrates in the fine fraction, while iron is reduced, suggesting a potential for a simpler and more economic processing pathway. Further testwork, including magnetic and gravity separation, is underway to optimize scandium upgrade and manage deleterious elements like iron and alumina. ## HWK: Olympus Scandium Project Soil Sampling Completed, WA - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/hwk-olympus-scandium-project-soil-sampling-completed-wa--1a311d77-85c8-4d8d-8705-a0137212b878) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/hwk-olympus-scandium-project-soil-sampling-completed-wa--1a311d77-85c8-4d8d-8705-a0137212b878.md) - Original announcement: 2026-10-01T23:13:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: 2026-10-02T00:15:56.631Z - Atlas analysis updated: 2026-10-02T00:15:56.631Z - Company: Hawk Resources Limited (HWK) - Original source: [asx](https://www.asx.com.au/asx/v2/statistics/displayAnnouncement.do?display=pdf&idsId=03147650) - Atlas sentiment: 0.132 - Atlas tags: Stale Data Re-release, No QA/QC Disclosure Hawk Resources has completed a 1,240-sample soil sampling programme at the Olympus scandium project in Western Australia to test historical anomalies. While no new assay results were provided, the company highlighted historical pXRF scandium intercepts up to 11m @ 934 ppm Sc and individual 1m samples of 2,164 ppm Sc. ## WC1 gets its pieces into place with scandium drilling campaign - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/wc1-gets-its-pieces-into-place-with-scandium-drilling-campaign--5f1c82cc-7097-4e66-b198-b55338ae9762) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/wc1-gets-its-pieces-into-place-with-scandium-drilling-campaign--5f1c82cc-7097-4e66-b198-b55338ae9762.md) - Original announcement: 2026-09-23T01:58:32.000Z - Atlas analysis published: 2026-09-23T03:02:25.905Z - Atlas analysis updated: 2026-09-23T03:02:25.905Z - Company: West Cobar Metals (WC1) - Original source: [stockhead](https://stockhead.com.au/resources/wc1-gets-its-pieces-into-place-with-scandium-drilling-campaign/) - Atlas sentiment: 0.228 - Atlas tags: Infill Drilling West Cobar Metals has engaged Wallis Drilling for an air core program at the Salazar project in Western Australia, scheduled to begin in October 2026. The campaign aims to test higher-grade scandium zones and extensions to existing REE and titanium resources. ## MRD: Re-Assays Confirm Further Scandium Beyond Resources - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/mrd-re-assays-confirm-further-scandium-beyond-resources--dcf01f24-e28f-4d89-b10f-659e69854edf) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/mrd-re-assays-confirm-further-scandium-beyond-resources--dcf01f24-e28f-4d89-b10f-659e69854edf.md) - Original announcement: 2026-09-22T23:36:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: 2026-09-23T00:19:11.722Z - Atlas analysis updated: 2026-09-23T00:19:11.722Z - Company: Mount Ridley Mines Limited (MRD) - Original source: [asx](https://www.asx.com.au/asx/v2/statistics/displayAnnouncement.do?display=pdf&idsId=03142685) - Atlas sentiment: 0.473 - Atlas tags: Bonanza Intercept, True Width Disclosed, Step-Out Extension, QA/QC Disclosed, QP/CP Signed, JORC Compliant, Infill Drilling, Exploration Drilling, Near-surface mineralization Mount Ridley Mines Limited announced positive Phase 2 re-assay results from its Grass Patch Project, confirming extensive high-grade scandium mineralization beyond the existing Block 1 and Block 2 Mineral Resource boundaries. The new intercepts, including 22m @ 119.41 ppm Sc2O3 and 40m @ 102.09 ppm Sc2O3, significantly exceed current resource grades and demonstrate substantial potential for future resource expansion. The mineralization remains open in multiple directions and is spatially associated with existing rare earth and gallium resources, reinforcing the project as a large-scale, multi-commodity critical minerals system. ## Cashu Research initiates coverage of Mount Ridley Mines (ASX: MRD), owner of the world's largest scandium resource - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/cashu-research-initiates-coverage-of-mount-ridley-mines-asx-mrd-owner-of-the-wor--3723c5e2-29fd-4ad8-bd13-318948a52221) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/cashu-research-initiates-coverage-of-mount-ridley-mines-asx-mrd-owner-of-the-wor--3723c5e2-29fd-4ad8-bd13-318948a52221.md) - Original announcement: 2026-08-26T04:49:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: Unknown date - Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date - Company: Mount Ridley Mines (MRD) - Original source: [yahoo_press](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/commodities/articles/cashu-research-initiates-coverage-mount-044900290.html) - Atlas sentiment: 0.696 - Atlas tags: Maiden Resource Mount Ridley Mines has upgraded the Grass Patch project in Western Australia, which is now described as the world's largest publicly reported scandium resource. The news follows significant US government commitment to rival scandium projects. ## Mount Ridley trumpets world’s largest scandium resource - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/mount-ridley-trumpets-world-s-largest-scandium-resource--4ead7024-b384-4c0a-8da1-57380fc378fd) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/mount-ridley-trumpets-world-s-largest-scandium-resource--4ead7024-b384-4c0a-8da1-57380fc378fd.md) - Original announcement: 2026-08-26T00:18:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: Unknown date - Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date - Company: Mount Ridley Mines (MRD) - Original source: [stockhead](https://stockhead.com.au/resources/mount-ridley-trumpets-worlds-largest-scandium-resource/) - Atlas sentiment: 0.467 - Atlas tags: Inferred Resource, QP/CP Signed Mount Ridley Mines has expanded its Grass Patch scandium resource to 946Mt at 50.1ppm, representing a significant increase in scale. The company is also developing a proprietary 'Selectro' hydrometallurgical process which showed 80% scandium recovery in initial laboratory testing. # Atlas tag definitions - **Bonanza Intercept:** Exceptionally high-grade zone, well above the deposit-type norm. - **True Width Disclosed:** Actual thickness perpendicular to structure is stated, not just downhole length. - **Step-Out Extension:** Mineralization extended beyond the previously known limit. - **QA/QC Disclosed:** Release includes QA/QC disclosure — certified lab, QP sign-off, or stated methods (blanks, standards, duplicates). - **Compositing Transparent:** Cut-off grade and internal dilution rules are clearly stated for reported intervals. - **Refractory Ore:** Complex mineralogy requiring oxidation or other special processing before recovery. - **Apparent Width Only:** Interval given as downhole width with no true width or drill orientation — apparent width may overstate true thickness. - **Stale Data Re-release:** Historical results re-announced with no new assays or reinterpretation — low genuine novelty. - **No QA/QC Disclosure:** Release does not disclose QA/QC — lab certification, CP/QP sign-off and assay protocols cannot be checked from this document. - **Metal Equivalent Opaque:** Metal equivalent grade reported without disclosing the price, recovery, or payability assumptions used. - **Cut-off Undisclosed:** Cut-off grade not disclosed — cannot assess comparability to prior estimates or peers. - **Deleterious Elements Present:** Penalty elements (arsenic, antimony, etc.) or refractory concerns noted in the release. - **Infill Drilling:** Confirmatory drilling to raise resource confidence, not new discovery. - **Nearology Play:** Value premise rests on proximity to a known deposit rather than own results. - **Measured Resource:** Highest confidence category — tonnage, grade, shape well-established from closely-spaced drilling. Basis for Proven Reserves. - **Indicated Resource:** Reasonable geological confidence based on adequate drilling; continuity can be assumed. Basis for Probable Reserves. - **Proven Reserve:** Measured Resource with demonstrated economic viability after applying modifying factors. - **Probable Reserve:** Indicated Resource with demonstrated economic viability after applying modifying factors. - **Category Upgrade:** Resource confidence improved — Inferred upgraded to Indicated, or Indicated to Measured. De-risking signal. - **Tonnage Growth:** Significant tonnage increase (≥15%) vs prior estimate with grade maintained or improved. - **Grade Improvement:** Average resource grade improved vs prior estimate — better deposit economics. - **Contained Metal Growth:** True scale improvement — contained metal ounces/tonnes increased vs prior, accounting for both tonnage and grade changes. - **QP/CP Signed:** Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association (e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo) with relevant experience. - **Cut-off Disclosed:** Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison. - **JORC Compliant:** Resource estimate prepared in compliance with JORC Code (Australia) — high reporting standard. - **NI 43-101 Compliant:** Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 (Canada) — high reporting standard. - **Inferred Resource:** Speculative category — limited drilling, geological continuity assumed but not confirmed. Cannot support economic studies alone. - **All Inferred:** 100% of resource is Inferred category — very early stage, no engineering confidence. - **Grade Decline:** Average grade dropped >5% vs prior estimate — deposit economics worsening. May indicate high-grading in early drilling. - **Tonnage Decline:** Resource tonnage decreased vs prior estimate — pit optimization removed marginal material or geological model revised down. - **Category Downgrade:** Resource confidence decreased — Measured downgraded to Indicated, or Indicated to Inferred. Unusual and concerning. - **Contained Metal Decline:** Contained metal decreased vs prior despite tonnage growth — grade dilution exceeds volume gain. - **Dilutive Growth:** Tonnage increased but contained metal flat or down — likely from lower cut-off grade, not geological expansion. - **Cut-off Lowered:** Cut-off grade significantly reduced vs prior estimate — tonnage growth may be artificial inflation. - **Cut-off Undisclosed:** Cut-off grade not disclosed — cannot assess comparability to prior estimates or peers. - **Historical Estimate Only:** Estimate pre-dates or does not comply with current JORC/NI 43-101 standards — requires verification drilling. - **Stale Estimate:** Effective date is >2 years old — data currency concern, may not reflect current geological understanding. - **No Contained Metal:** Tonnage and grade reported but contained metal not calculated or disclosed — incomplete reporting. - **No QP/CP Disclosure:** No Qualified Person or Competent Person named — lower credibility for the estimate. A QP/CP should be a member of a recognized professional association with relevant experience. - **Maiden Resource:** First formal MRE for the project — establishes baseline but typically exploration-stage with high Inferred component. - **Resource Update:** Revised estimate for an existing resource — compare to prior to assess progress. - **PEA-Supporting:** Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study. - **PFS-Supporting:** Resource estimate prepared to support a Pre-Feasibility Study — requires adequate M&I component. - **DFS-Supporting:** Resource estimate prepared to support a Definitive Feasibility Study — requires high M&I confidence. - **High Recovery:** Recovery at or above the exceptional band for the commodity and processing route. - **Pilot Scale Complete:** Pilot or demonstration plant testing completed under continuous operation. - **Free Milling:** Simple, clean ore amenable to standard processing without oxidation. - **Multi-Domain Tested:** Variability across ore domains (oxide, transition, fresh) has been addressed. - **Recovery Improving:** Recovery improved versus a like-for-like prior test program on the same domain and route. - **Low Recovery:** Recovery below the weak band for the commodity and processing route. - **Bench Scale Only:** Only preliminary bench tests completed — no locked-cycle or pilot work. - **Refractory Ore:** Complex mineralogy requiring oxidation or other special processing before recovery. - **Single Domain Only:** Testing limited to one composite or domain — representativeness not established. - **Recovery Stagnant:** No improvement across multiple test programs on comparable material. - **Theoretical Recovery Only:** Only theoretical or liberation-derived recovery reported, with no actual test result. - **Heap Leach Route:** Processing via heap leach — lower CAPEX and OPEX, lower recovery expected. - **Mill Route:** Processing via mill or concentrator (CIL, CIP, tank leach, flotation). - **Gravity Route:** Gravity separation forms a material part of the flowsheet. - **POX/BIOX Route:** Pressure or bio-oxidation for refractory ore — high CAPEX and OPEX. - **Byproduct Commodity:** The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.