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ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge - Alberta - Canada
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ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge

Funding for oil sands tailings technology projects
Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA)
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000,000 - $ 15,000,000
Timeline
  • Open Date : June 17, 2025
  • Closing date : September 24, 2025
Location
Alberta, Canada

Overview

Up to CAD 50 million is available to advance oil sands mine water and tailings technologies in Alberta. The program supports pilot, demonstration, and first-of-kind commercial projects focused on reduction, treatment, reuse, and reclamation-related solutions.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Implement environmental initiatives
  • Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 15,000,000 $
  • Minimum amount : 1,000,000 $
  • Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
  • Open Date : June 17, 2025
  • Closing date : September 24, 2025

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Location
  • Alberta
Legal structures
  • For-profit business
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Pilot and field testing of tailings and mine water technologies
  • Commercial demonstration of new solutions
  • First-of-kind commercial implementation
  • Test centres and shared infrastructure for validation
  • Water treatment, tailings reduction, and reclamation-related projects

Documents Needed

  • Application document
  • Milestone summary table
  • Financial information and recent financial statements
  • Detailed project budget
  • Letters of support

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Oil sands operators
  • Technology providers

Who is not eligible

  • Projects that are business as usual
  • Standalone feasibility or pre-construction studies without testing or deployment
  • Projects focused primarily on bitumen extraction
  • Conventional tailings and water infrastructure unless directly supporting an eligible project
  • Projects already funded by ERA for the same development

Eligible expenses

  • Labour and employee benefits directly tied to the project
  • Equipment, materials, consumables, and software used for the project
  • Consulting, subcontractor, and EPC services
  • Project travel, conference attendance, and workshop participation
  • Eligible overhead and third-party GHG verification costs

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Business-as-usual work and standalone feasibility or pre-construction studies
  • Regulatory approval costs, land purchase or leasing, and hiring costs
  • Marketing, entertainment, and intellectual property protection costs
  • GST and PST
  • Costs incurred before the application deadline

Eligible geographic areas

  • Alberta

Processing and Agreement

  • Submissions are reviewed through a competitive process
  • Shortlisted applicants are invited to present to ERA
  • ERA conducts additional due diligence before a final decision
  • The Board of Directors makes the funding decision
  • Successful applicants must sign a contribution agreement

Additional information

  • Applicants may submit multiple proposals.
  • Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present to ERA.
  • A contribution agreement is required before funding is finalized.
  • Project outcomes and lessons learned must be shared publicly.

Contacts

applications@eralberta.ca
780-417-1920

Frequently Asked Questions about the ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge. 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 ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge?

Up to CAD 50 million is available to advance oil sands mine water and tailings technologies in Alberta. The program supports pilot, demonstration, and first-of-kind commercial projects focused on reduction, treatment, reuse, and reclamation-related solutions.

How much funding can be received?

ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $15,000,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program was September 24, 2025.

Who is eligible for the ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge program?

To be eligible for the ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge program, you must: Oil sands operators or technology providers Confirmed operator partner required for providers Project must be implemented in Alberta

What expenses are eligible under ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge?

Pilot and field testing of tailings and mine water technologies Commercial demonstration of new solutions First-of-kind commercial implementation Test centres and shared infrastructure for validation Water treatment, tailings reduction, and reclamation-related projects

Who can I contact for more information about the ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge?

You can contact Government of Alberta by email at applications@eralberta.ca or by phone at 780-417-1920.

Where is the ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge available?

The ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge program is available the province of Alberta.

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