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|openingDateMay 22, 2024
- 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
Projects eligible for the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund include:
- Battery supply chain
- Innovative techniques for deep exploration and mining
- Recovery of minerals
- Other innovative projects that support the critical minerals sector
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$500,000
Hamilton
Install advanced sensor technology for real-time mineral recovery analysis
$500,000
London
Create a prototype for a new cobalt extraction technique
$500,000
Ottawa
Develop a new AI-driven mineral exploration software
$500,000
Toronto
Develop a prototype for a new lithium battery recycling process
$500,000
Thunder Bay
Commercialize a new mineral recovery technology for nickel extraction
$500,000
Sudbury
Implement deep exploration techniques for rare earth elements
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant are:
- You are either a private-sector business or collaborating with a public-sector academic or research institution, or a non-profit organization or association.
- The project will take place in Ontario.
- The project involves research, development, and/or commercialization of innovative technologies, techniques, processes, or solutions for critical minerals.
- The project is not receiving funding from any other Government of Ontario program.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible types of companies for the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund grant in Ontario include private-sector businesses and private-sector businesses collaborating with public-sector academic or research institutions, non-profit organizations, or associations.
- Private-sector businesses
- Private-sector businesses collaborating with public-sector academic or research institutions, non-profit organizations, or associations
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Based on the eligibility criteria outlined in the grant context, companies affiliated with individuals listed under specific economic measures acts or collaborating with certain named research organizations may not be eligible for the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund.
- Companies affiliated with listed persons under the Special Economic Measures Act or the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act are not eligible.
- Companies operating in collaboration with named research organizations under the federal government's Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern may not be eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include research and development activities, prototyping costs, product testing, intellectual property protection costs, commercialization activities, building or renovation costs, prototype demonstration costs, product certification costs, and research and development services provided by external companies.
- Research and development activities
- Commercialization activities
grant_single_labels|criteria
Evaluation and selection criteria are used to assess the suitability of project proposals for the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund. The factors considered include technology innovation, collaboration potential, sector investment, resiliency enhancement, and intellectual property generation.
- Does the project propose a new or improved technology or processes (including development or progress made on technology commercialization and prototyping)?
- Does the project have potential to increase cross-sector investment in critical minerals exploration and development projects?
- Does the project have potential to enhance collaboration among sectors?
- Does the project have potential to enhance resiliency and competitiveness of Ontario’s critical minerals sector?
- Does the project have potential to increase research and development relating to critical minerals in Ontario's key priority areas?
- Does the project have potential to increase mineral investment in Ontario?
- Does the applicant have a demonstrated ability to deliver a project of this scale?
- Can the project be scaled-up or expanded upon in the future?
- Does the project result in new intellectual property that you intend to file or protect in Canada?
- Does the project propose to extract additional value from mining wastes?
- Can the applicant demonstrate evidence of its previous research and development experience?
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Application Period and Platform
- Step 2: Register and Apply Online
- Step 3: Funding Agreement and Insurance Requirements
- Step 4: Reporting Obligations
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
Critical Minerals Innovation Fund Overview
The Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF) supports projects that strengthen Ontario’s critical minerals sector by providing funding for research, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies. The fund focuses on key priority areas such as battery supply chain, innovative exploration and mining techniques, mineral recovery, and other projects supporting the critical minerals industry.
For a detailed explanation of the CMIF, including eligibility criteria, funding details, project evaluation criteria, and application process, continue reading below.
Exploring Ontario's Critical Minerals Sector with the CMIF
The Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF) is a vital initiative in Ontario, aimed at advancing the critical minerals sector through innovative projects. With a focus on key priority areas including battery supply chain, exploration techniques, mineral recovery, and other critical mineral endeavors, the fund seeks to bolster Ontario's position in the global market.
Eligibility Criteria:
Eligible applicants include private-sector businesses collaborating with academia or non-profit organizations, with projects conducted in Ontario. Projects must align with key priority areas and not receive simultaneous funding from other provincial programs.
Funding Details:
The CMIF offers up to 50% of eligible project costs, with a maximum funding limit of $500,000 per project. Funding is provided in three installments based on project milestones and successful progress reports.
Project Evaluation Criteria:
Projects are evaluated based on criteria such as technological innovation, potential sector investment, collaboration enhancement, and contributions to Ontario's critical minerals industry. Considerations like scalability, intellectual property generation, and research expertise are also key components of project assessments.
Application Process:
Interested applicants can apply online through Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) during designated intake periods. Successful applicants must adhere to funding agreements, insurance requirements, and reporting obligations throughout the project lifecycle.
By leveraging the CMIF, Ontario can drive advancements in critical minerals research, development, and commercialization, positioning the province as a key player in the evolving global market.
