Syerston Scandium Project Advances Amid Contract Uncertainty for Clean TeQ Water
Clean TeQ Water has landed a $665,160 engineering contract with Sunrise Energy Metals to update key designs for the Syerston Scandium Project, supporting a crucial investment decision.
- A$665,160 engineering contract awarded to Clean TeQ Water
- Focus on Resin-In-Pulp (MBIX) and refinery circuit updates
- Contract supports Sunrise Energy Metals’ Final Investment Decision
- Syerston hosts one of the world’s largest high-grade scandium resources
- Work delivery expected by May 2026, within 16 weeks
Engineering Contract Boosts Syerston Scandium Project
Clean TeQ Water Limited (ASX, CNQ) has secured a significant engineering contract worth A$665,160 from Sunrise Energy Metals Limited (ASX, SRL) to update critical engineering designs for the Syerston Scandium Project in New South Wales. This contract marks a key step forward in advancing the project towards a Final Investment Decision (FID), a milestone that could unlock substantial development activity.
The scope of work focuses on refining the continuous Resin-in-Pulp (cRIP) process, underpinned by Clean TeQ’s proprietary Moving Bed Ion Exchange (MBIX) technology, alongside updates to the refinery circuits. These engineering updates will build on feasibility studies conducted in 2016 and 2025, ensuring the project’s design reflects the latest metallurgical insights and operational efficiencies.
Strategic Importance of Scandium and MBIX Technology
The Syerston Project is notable for hosting one of the world’s largest and highest-grade primary scandium resources. Sunrise Energy Metals recently announced a material increase in scandium inventory, which is expected to enhance the project’s economics and strategic value. Scandium is a critical metal with growing demand in aerospace, defence, and advanced alloy applications, making Syerston a potentially vital supplier in global markets.
Clean TeQ Water’s MBIX technology offers a competitive edge by enabling continuous ion exchange with higher efficiency and lower resource consumption compared to traditional fixed-bed systems. This technology is not only central to scandium recovery at Syerston but also has broader applications in water treatment and other critical metals processing.
Looking Ahead, Potential for Further Engagement
The engineering work is scheduled for completion within 16 weeks, with delivery expected by May 2026. While this contract is not conditional on Sunrise reaching a positive FID, it positions Clean TeQ Water favourably for potential future roles in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) phases of the project. However, any such engagements would require separate agreements and approvals.
Clean TeQ Water’s CEO, Peter Voigt, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, noting the increased scandium inventory’s impact on the project’s strategic relevance and Clean TeQ’s strengths in critical metals process design. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing sustainable and efficient resource development.
As the Syerston Project moves closer to a definitive investment decision, the industry will be watching closely to see how these engineering updates influence Sunrise’s development strategy and the broader scandium market dynamics.
Bottom Line?
Clean TeQ Water’s latest contract cements its role in a potentially transformative scandium project, with eyes now on Sunrise’s upcoming investment decision.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Sunrise Energy Metals proceed with a positive Final Investment Decision following the engineering update?
- Could Clean TeQ Water secure further contracts for EPC work at Syerston if the project advances?
- How will the increased scandium inventory impact the global supply and pricing of this critical metal?
