Critical Minerals Innovation Fund
ON, Canada
Funding for innovative critical minerals projects in Ontario
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|grantStatusClosed
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) provides funding of up to $500,000 to support projects in Ontario that focus on research, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies in the critical minerals sector. Eligible activities include those related to enhancing the battery supply chain, innovative mining techniques, mineral recovery, and other projects that bolster Ontario's critical minerals industry.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Critical Minerals Innovation Fund offers a structured financing approach to support innovative projects within Ontario's critical minerals sector. The fund aims to enhance technological advancements and foster collaboration among stakeholders through strategic financial contributions.
- Co-financing of up to 50% of eligible project costs, with a maximum contribution of $500,000 per project.
- Funding for approved projects will be provided in three installments: up to 40% upon signing the funding agreement, up to 30% after the interim project report is reviewed, and the remaining amount following the final project report review.
- Projects can only receive funding for one project per intake round, and stacking with other provincial funding programs is not allowed.
- Federal and provincial funding combined may not exceed 75% of eligible project costs.
- Projects may receive support from provincial tax credits and industry-wide programs, such as industrial electricity support.
- Cost allocation requires strict compliance with reporting requirements for both interim and final project reports.
- Proof of commercial general liability insurance with specified coverage must be provided before any funding disbursement.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Critical Minerals Innovation Fund provides support for projects that enhance Ontario's critical minerals sector, focusing on innovation in exploration, production, and processing. Eligible activities are centered on developing technologies and processes that drive efficiency and innovation in the field.
- Research and development projects aiming at new technologies or techniques for mineral exploration and extraction.
- Initiatives focusing on mineral processing improvements or innovations in the battery supply chain.
- Projects that explore innovative solutions for accessing mineral resources in deeper or more remote locations.
- Recovery of minerals from mining waste to enhance sustainability and value.
- Innovative proposals supporting Ontario's Critical Minerals Strategy through means such as reprocessing and recycling spent batteries.
- Collaborative projects between private companies and research institutions aimed at commercializing critical mineral technologies.
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 prototype for a new lithium battery recycling process
$ 500,000
Develop a new AI-driven mineral exploration software
$ 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
This grant is available to companies specifically operating within Ontario, Canada. The initiative focuses on projects taking place in Ontario to support the region's critical minerals sector.
- Businesses located in Ontario, Canada.
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.
