The University of the Philippines (UP) is set to embark on a survey that could lead to the exploration, development and commercial production of scandium deposits and other rare-earth elements in the country. We have a very good chance of becoming big on scandium,” Arcilla told reporters. The principal concentrations of rare-earth elements are associated with uncommon varieties of igneous rocks. China remains the biggest producer because they are the ones with the technology to extract the scandium,” Arcilla said. Arcilla is hopeful the result of the research will pave way for a government policy on the development of a downstream industry for rare-earth elements.

Source: Manila Times May 08, 2017 16:52 UTC