Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: 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: • For-profit organizations legally incorporated or registered in Canada • Projects must enable the development or expansion of eligible critical minerals resources • Projects must be located entirely in Canada

Q: 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.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Supports infrastructure projects advancing critical minerals development in Canada

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

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

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.

Activities funded

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:

$ 5,000,000

Preconstruction planning for a zero-emission haul truck corridor

$ 8,450,000

Comprehensive impact assessments for an all-season access road to palladium site

$ 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

$ 12,000,000

Engineering designs for a rail spur connecting lithium deposits

Eligibility

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.

Selection criteria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Contacts

cmif-fimc@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

Apply to this program

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?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction Stream?

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.