Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream
Last Update: July 17, 2025
Canada
Supports infrastructure projects advancing critical minerals development in Canada
Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $50,000,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : June 27, 2025
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Utilities
- Transportation and warehousing
- Public administration
Grant Providers
- Government of Canada
Status
Open
Overview of the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream program
The Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream offers up to $50 million per project ($100 million for provincial/territorial governments), supporting preconstruction activities such as studies, planning, design, assessments, and Indigenous engagement to advance clean energy and transportation infrastructure for critical minerals development in Canada. The program aims to bridge infrastructure gaps necessary for sustainable critical minerals production by funding activities that bring projects closer to a shovel-ready state.
Financing terms and conditions
- Funding covers up to 50% of total eligible project expenses, and up to 75% for Arctic, Northern, and Indigenous-led projects.
- Maximum financing per project is $50 million for most applicants and $100 million for provincial and territorial government applicants.
- Total available funding for this call is up to $500 million, with project costs eligible for funding until March 31, 2030.
Eligible projects & activities
- Clean energy infrastructure projects that support increased critical minerals production, such as grid connections or deployment of renewable energy systems at mining sites.
- Transportation infrastructure projects that enable the development or expansion of critical minerals resources, including roads, rail, or marine transportation necessary to connect mines to processing facilities and markets.
- Preconstruction activities required to advance eligible energy or transportation infrastructure projects, including studies, planning, design work, and regulatory assessments.
- Engagement and partnership activities involving Indigenous and local communities related to developing infrastructure that enables critical minerals projects.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 12,000,000
Engineering designs for a rail spur connecting lithium deposits
$ 8,450,000
Comprehensive impact assessments for an all-season access road to palladium site
$ 5,000,000
Preconstruction planning for a zero-emission haul truck corridor
$ 4,490,000
Environmental and regulatory studies for a remote cobalt road upgrade
$ 2,990,000
Feasibility study for a solar microgrid at a nickel mine
$ 7,600,000
Grid integration planning for wind power at a rare earth mine
Eligibility criteria of the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream program
- The applicant must be a legal entity incorporated or registered in Canada, such as a for-profit or not-for-profit organization, industry association, or government-related entity.
- Indigenous groups, including Indigenous communities, councils, or organizations (majority-owned and -controlled by Indigenous Peoples), are eligible applicants.
- The project must be located entirely within Canada and support the development of critical minerals.
- The proposed project must focus on clean energy or transportation infrastructure that enables critical minerals production or expansion, and demonstrate a direct link to this objective.
- The applicant must meet minimum development thresholds for the critical minerals projects enabled by the proposed infrastructure, as outlined in the program guidelines.
Who is eligible?
- For-profit and not-for-profit organizations registered or incorporated in Canada, including companies and industry associations
- Provincial, territorial, and municipal governments and related organizations (e.g., Crown corporations, public utilities, ports)
- Indigenous groups, communities, governments, councils, and Indigenous-majority-owned entities
Who is not eligible
- Companies whose infrastructure is solely aimed at the transport of people or equipment, such as landing strips, with no direct link to the transport or production of critical minerals.
- Projects whose transport infrastructure does not specifically pertain to critical minerals.
- Companies operating non-permanent structures, such as ice roads or winter roads, unless justified permanent elements are included.
- Companies proposing ineligible expenses such as land acquisition, litigation costs, or general operating and maintenance expenses.
Eligible expenses
- Materials and equipment directly required for the project.
- Professional services such as research, engineering, planning, and design work related to the project.
- Salaries and benefits for personnel engaged in project activities.
- Administrative costs directly attributable to the project.
Eligible geographic areas
- Projects must be located entirely in Canada.
Eligibility criteria of the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream program
- Expected support for critical minerals production in Canada.
- Application quality, project feasibility, and risk assessment.
- Economic, environmental, and Indigenous reconciliation benefits and impacts of the project.
How to apply to the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream program
1
Confirm eligibility and gather information
- Review the eligibility criteria and the objectives of the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund
- Ensure your organization and proposed project align with program requirements
- Gather key project information as outlined in the applicant guide
2
Submit Expression of Interest
- Access the secure NRCan funding portal
- Complete and submit the Expression of Interest (EOI) form
- Provide all requested details on eligibility, project description, costs, and supporting information
3
Receive feedback and clarification
- Wait for feedback from the CMIF team on your EOI submission
- Review any recommendations or requests for clarification provided
- Engage in discussion with program staff to address potential issues
4
Prepare full application
- Prepare your full application, including all supporting documentation
- Ensure all information is accurate and complete as per the applicant guide
- Confirm you have addressed any feedback from the EOI stage
5
Submit full application
- Submit the full application and all required documents through the NRCan funding portal by the stated deadline
- Ensure all sections are completed and all criteria are met
- Retain a confirmation of submission for your records
6
Wait for application review outcome
- Await the notification on the completeness and eligibility review of your application
- Projects will proceed to full assessment if they meet initial criteria
- Monitor communications for next steps or requests for additional information
Additional information
- The application window for Stream 1 – Preconstruction closes on June 27, 2025, at 8 p.m. PST, and for Stream 2 – Shovel Ready on March 4, 2026, at 8 p.m. PST.
- Applicants impacted by wildfires may request an extension to the Stream 1 deadline by contacting the program before June 27, 2025.
- Project costs may be funded up to March 31, 2030.
- CMIF applications will be shared with the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) for potential investment assessment, which could adjust the federal contribution amount.
Contact Government of Canada
cmif-fimc@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
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