SciREE: Evaluating the potential of nanoparticle- and colloid-bound scandium and rare earths in boreal rivers and streams as prospection/exploration tools

Critical raw materials are essential for Europe’s green and digital transitions, yet domestic exploration strategies require further development. This pilot project investigates hydrogeochemical relationships between scandium (Sc) and rare earth elements (REE) in boreal shield catchments to evaluate their relevance for CRM-exploration.

Two contrasting geological settings in Sweden will be studied: the high-Sc Vanån river system and catchments within the Kalix–Torne region draining the Per Geijer REE mineralisation. Truly dissolved and nanoparticulate/colloidal Sc, REE+Y, DOC, and major elements will be quantified using validated ultra-trace analytical methods. By integrating hydrogeochemistry with GIS-based catchment characterisation, this pilot project will assess Sc–REE relationships and (de-) CAMM-CRM Seed Funding Application 2026, LTU-1805-2026 2 coupling, and normalised REE patterns across reference and mineralised systems. The results will provide new insights into surface-water signatures over REE-bearing lithologies and lay the foundation for scalable exploration methodologies and future national and EU raw-material initiatives.