Closed
Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream
Funding for critical minerals infrastructure projects in Canada
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 50,000,000
Timeline
- Closing date : June 27, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
The Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund provides up to $1.5 billion in federal funding until 2030 for clean energy and transportation infrastructure that supports critical minerals development in Canada. It funds preconstruction and shovel-ready activities, including studies, planning, design work, assessments, construction, rehabilitation, and engagement with Indigenous and local communities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : June 27, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Utilities
- Transportation and warehousing
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Preconstruction activities for clean energy and transportation infrastructure projects.
- Site preparation, construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of eligible infrastructure.
- Engagement and consultation with local and Indigenous communities.
Documents Needed
- Expression of Interest form
- Full application form
- Supporting documentation listed in the CMIF applicant guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Legal entities incorporated or registered in Canada.
- Provincial, territorial, and municipal governments and related organizations.
- Indigenous groups and Indigenous-majority-owned organizations.
Who is not eligible
- Organizations proposing projects outside Canada.
- Projects focused only on refining, processing, or manufacturing.
- Projects involving non-permanent transportation structures such as ice or winter roads.
Eligible expenses
- Materials and equipment.
- Professional services such as research and engineering.
- Salaries and benefits.
- Some administrative costs.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Land acquisition.
- Litigation fees.
- General operating and maintenance expenses.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first checked for completeness and eligibility.
- Eligible applications undergo a full assessment by federal, provincial, and territorial partners.
- Successful projects receive a conditional funding offer.
- A contribution agreement is then negotiated.
Additional information
- The application window for Stream 1 – Preconstruction is closed.
- Stream 2 – Shovel ready applications are accepted through the secure NRCan funding portal.
- Applications received under CMIF will be shared with the Canada Infrastructure Bank for assessment.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream?
The Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund provides up to $1.5 billion in federal funding until 2030 for clean energy and transportation infrastructure that supports critical minerals development in Canada. It funds preconstruction and shovel-ready activities, including studies, planning, design work, assessments, construction, rehabilitation, and engagement with Indigenous and local communities.
How much funding can be received?
Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $50,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream program?
To be eligible for the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream program, you must:
Incorporated or registered in Canada
Project in Canada
Supports critical minerals infrastructure
What expenses are eligible under Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream?
Preconstruction activities for clean energy and transportation infrastructure projects.
Site preparation, construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of eligible infrastructure.
Engagement and consultation with local and Indigenous communities.
Who can I contact for more information about the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream?
You can contact Government of Canada by email at cmif-fimc@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.
Where is the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream available?
The Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream program is available across Canada.
Is the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream is a Grant and Funding