Critical Minerals Innovation Fund
ON, Canada
Critical Minerals Innovation Fund supports projects that strengthen Ontario's critical minerals sector through research, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 24, 2022
- grant_single|closingDateJuly 17, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
- Ministry of Mines (ON)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF) supports projects in Ontario's critical minerals sector by funding research, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies related to key priority areas such as battery supply chain, deep exploration and mining techniques, minerals recovery, and other projects supporting the critical minerals sector. Eligible activities include prototyping, product testing, intellectual property protection, commercialization activities, and building capacity for the critical minerals supply chain.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is designated for projects occurring within a specified region to enhance local economic ecosystems. Companies must operate their projects within this geographical constraint to qualify for funding.
- Projects must take place in Ontario, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$500,000
Install advanced sensor technology for real-time mineral recovery analysis
$500,000
Create a prototype for a new cobalt extraction technique
$500,000
Develop a new AI-driven mineral exploration software
$500,000
Develop a prototype for a new lithium battery recycling process
$500,000
Commercialize a new mineral recovery technology for nickel extraction
$500,000
Implement deep exploration techniques for rare earth elements
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund, companies must meet several criteria involving their structure and project characteristics.
- The applicant must be a private-sector business or a private-sector business collaborating with a public-sector academic or research institution, non-profit organization, or association.
- For collaborative projects, one entity must serve as the lead applicant and funding recipient.
- The project must take place in Ontario.
- The project must involve research, development, and/or commercialization of innovative technologies, techniques, processes, or solutions for critical minerals.
- The project should align with one or more of the program's key priority areas, such as the battery supply chain, innovative techniques for deep exploration and mining, recovery of minerals, or other projects supporting the critical minerals sector.
- The project must not receive funding from any other Government of Ontario program, with specified exceptions.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF) is open to specific types of applicants who can contribute to Ontario’s critical minerals sector through innovative projects. Prospective applicants must fulfill certain eligibility criteria to be considered for funding.
- Private-sector businesses engaged in critical minerals exploration, mining, development, production, or processing.
- Collaborative projects involving a private-sector business and a public-sector academic or research institution, or a non-profit organization or association, with one entity acting as the lead applicant and funding recipient.
- Projects must be located in Ontario and focus on research, development, and/or commercialization of innovative technologies related to the fund's key priority areas.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and entities due to associations with restrictions under specific Canadian laws. These limitations aim to ensure compliance with national and international policies.
- Applicants who are listed under the Special Economic Measures Act.
- Entities associated with persons listed under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law).
- Organizations affiliated with entities listed in the Named Research Organizations as per the federal Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF) provides funding for projects that enhance Ontario's critical minerals sector through innovation. Eligible projects must focus on research, development, or commercialization efforts in one or more key priority areas.
- Research and development projects related to the battery supply chain, including mineral exploration, extraction, processing, and recycling.
- Projects utilizing innovative techniques for deep exploration and mining to access resources in deep or remote areas.
- Initiatives focused on the recovery of minerals from mining wastes to extract additional value.
- Innovative projects that support Ontario's Critical Minerals Strategy, such as reprocessing spent batteries for metal recovery.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses for the grant cover costs directly related to research, development, and commercialization activities.
- Prototyping costs, including engineering and design services and component purchase, fabrication, materials, and installation costs.
- Product testing.
- Intellectual property protection costs.
- Research and development services provided by external companies.
- Contracted professional technical services or expertise.
- Costs related to technology transfer and commercialization.
- Capital assets and equipment related to testing feasibility of innovative techniques and processes.
- Building or renovation costs specifically related to the commercialization of the new technology.
- Prototype demonstration costs, including engineering and design services and equipment purchases, fabrication, materials, and installation costs.
- Costs associated with scaling a technology for a mine site or project.
- Product certification costs.
- Capital assets and equipment related to commercialization of innovative techniques and processes.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF) are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the program's objectives.
- Innovation: Assessment of new or improved technology or processes, including commercialization and prototyping advancements.
- Investment Potential: Potential to increase cross-sector investment in critical minerals exploration and development projects.
- Collaboration: Capacity to enhance collaboration among different sectors, such as industry, academia, and research organizations.
- Resiliency and Competitiveness: Ability to enhance the resiliency and competitiveness of Ontario’s critical minerals sector.
- Research and Development: Potential to increase R&D related to Ontario's key priority areas in the critical minerals sector.
- Mineral Investment: Potential to boost mineral investment within Ontario.
- Project Delivery: Demonstrated ability of the applicant to deliver a project of the proposed scale.
- Scalability: Possibility of scaling-up or expanding the project in the future.
- Intellectual Property: Creation of new intellectual property and the intention to file or protect it in Canada.
- Value Extraction: Proposal to extract additional value from mining wastes.
- R&D Experience: Evidence of the applicant's previous research and development experience.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Account Creation
- Create a My Ontario Account on Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON).
- Step 2: Organization Registration
- Log in to TPON and register your organization.
- Step 3: Application Access
- In TPON, find the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF) in the list of funding opportunities.
- Step 4: Application Preparation
- Download the application form available on TPON.
- Complete the application form with all required project details and information.
- Prepare any necessary attachments to support your application.
- Step 5: Application Submission
- Submit the completed application form and any attachments through TPON before the deadline.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are some miscellaneous information about the grant:
- The funding agreement must be executed and all conditions met before funding disbursements.
- Applicants must demonstrate commitment to the project by securing all other project financing.
- Proof of required insurance is necessary before funding is provided.
- Reporting requirements include submitting interim and final project reports.
Apply to this program
Unlock Funding for Ontario's Critical Minerals Innovation
The Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF) offers financial support to projects that bolster Ontario's critical minerals sector. By focusing on research, development, and commercialization, it aims to enhance innovation and investment within this strategic industry.
Detailed Insights into the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund
The Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF) is a pivotal initiative by the Ontario government designed to catalyze growth and innovation within the critical minerals sector. As global demand for critical minerals surges, driven by advancements in technology and the need for sustainable solutions, Ontario is positioning itself at the forefront of this burgeoning industry. The CMIF specifically funds projects that align with key priorities such as the battery supply chain, deep exploration and mining innovation, and the recovery of minerals.
This comprehensive funding program is anticipated to stimulate significant investment into Ontario's critical minerals supply chain, fostering not only resource management but also technological advancements that support a future aligned with low-carbon and strategic industries. The fund targets applications that demonstrate new or improved technologies and processes, emphasizing innovations that can enhance the resilience and competitiveness of Ontario’s critical minerals sector.
Eligible projects are expected to delve into groundbreaking territories across various stages of mineral production and usage, including exploration, extraction, processing, and recycling. By doing so, these projects are set to create an end-to-end supply chain that is integral to developing a robust electric vehicle battery industry in Ontario. This funding can assist in making technological improvements that could lead to longer operational life for existing mines through innovative deep exploration techniques or inventive methods for resource extraction and processing from mining waste.
Another critical aspect of the CMIF is its encouragement of cross-sector collaboration, bringing together private enterprises, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations. This collaboration aims to drive innovation through shared expertise and resources, thus paving the way for projects that not only adhere to immediate industry needs but also set a foundation for scalable future growth. This is critical given the competitive nature of the grant, where selected projects must fulfill rigorous criteria focusing on innovation, sustainability, and potential market expansion.
In terms of funding logistics, CMIF participants can expect a structured release of funds, provided in installments contingent upon meeting specified project milestones. This staged funding approach ensures that only robust and deserving initiatives proceed, thereby optimizing the province’s economic resources. The compliance with project milestones and detailed interim reporting requirements ensures transparency and accountability, thus instilling confidence among stakeholders and potential partners.
Furthermore, successful applicants must align closely with Ontario's broader economic and technological strategies, utilizing the opportunity to not only advance their organizational capabilities but also contribute meaningfully to Ontario’s overarching Critical Minerals Strategy for 2022-2027. This priority underscores the emphasis on integrating socio-economic growth with environmental stewardship.
The CMIF represents a gateway for innovative entities within Ontario's critical minerals community to secure vital funding and strategic resources. Through this fund, applicants not only receive financial backing but also position themselves as leaders in the development of solutions that respond to global technological and economic shifts, ensuring Canadian leadership in the critical minerals landscape.
