The Pentagon committed $400 million to Sunrise Energy Metals to build the world's first primary scandium mine in Australia, reducing reliance on

Donald Trump announced billions in critical minerals funding including a $566 million loan for a scandium mine in central-west NSW owned by Sunrise Energy Metals.

Nearly all scandium – a critical mineral used in fighter jets – comes from China, Russia and Ukraine. Now the US and its weapons contractor intend to get it from Australia.