Closed
First and Last Mile Fund
Federal support for critical minerals projects
Last Update: June 6, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
The First and Last Mile Fund provides up to $1.5 billion in federal funding until 2030 for critical minerals supply chain projects in Canada. It supports mine development, enabling infrastructure, and Indigenous engagement and capacity-building related to funded projects.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Increase production or service capacity
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- All legal structures
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
- On-site critical minerals mine development.
- Transportation and clean energy infrastructure for mines and processing facilities.
- Infrastructure for market access.
- Indigenous engagement, participation, and capacity building linked to funded projects.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Selected proponents of strategic critical minerals projects.
- Indigenous nations, communities, and groups implicated by funded projects.
- Eligible partner organizations supporting Indigenous capacity funding.
Who is not eligible
- Applicants not invited by Natural Resources Canada.
- Projects that are not located in Canada.
Eligible expenses
- Costs for mine development infrastructure.
- Costs for transportation and clean energy infrastructure.
- Costs for infrastructure needed for market access.
- Costs related to Indigenous engagement, participation, and capacity building.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Projects are first identified by Natural Resources Canada and selected proponents are invited to apply.
- Invited applications are reviewed through an interdepartmental assessment process with input from federal, provincial, and territorial partners.
- Successful projects receive a conditional funding offer.
- A contribution agreement is then negotiated after due diligence.
Additional information
- No open call for proposals is currently available.
- Natural Resources Canada invites selected proponents to apply.
- Indigenous engagement sessions are available in English and French.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the First and Last Mile Fund Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the First and Last Mile Fund. 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 First and Last Mile Fund?
The First and Last Mile Fund provides up to $1.5 billion in federal funding until 2030 for critical minerals supply chain projects in Canada. It supports mine development, enabling infrastructure, and Indigenous engagement and capacity-building related to funded projects.
Who is eligible for the First and Last Mile Fund program?
To be eligible for the First and Last Mile Fund program, you must:
Strategic critical minerals project
Located in Canada
Invitation from NRCan required
What expenses are eligible under First and Last Mile Fund?
On-site critical minerals mine development.
Transportation and clean energy infrastructure for mines and processing facilities.
Infrastructure for market access.
Indigenous engagement, participation, and capacity building linked to funded projects.
Who can I contact for more information about the First and Last Mile Fund?
You can contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) by email at cmce-cemc@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the First and Last Mile Fund available?
The First and Last Mile Fund program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the First and Last Mile Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
First and Last Mile Fund is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the First and Last Mile Fund?
First and Last Mile Fund is funded by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)