Sunrise Energy Metals (ASX:SRL) gained acceptance into the New South Wales critical minerals royalty deferral scheme for its Syerston scandium project, according to a Monday filing with the Australian bourse.

Sunrise said it is one of only two companies that have so far been accepted into the scheme, which enables eligible companies to defer the payment of mining royalties for up to five years.

The company also received a letter of interest from the US Export-Import Bank for $67 million of debt financing for the Syerston project, per the filing.