Closed
Source verified April 29, 2026
Global Partnerships Initiative
Supports international critical minerals collaboration
Funding available
Up to 100% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
This initiative supports pre-commercial critical minerals projects through non-repayable contributions and grants. It focuses on joint R&D, traceability, responsible resource development, and international collaboration.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase production or service capacity
Eligible Funding
- Up to 100% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Pre-feasibility and feasibility studies
- Front-end engineering and design studies
- Technology testing and piloting
- Pilot and scale-up work
- Demonstration and deployment of critical minerals technologies
Documents Needed
- Expression of Interest form
- Project summary and objectives
- TRL justification and supporting evidence
- Financial information and funding sources
- Partnership and collaboration details
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian incorporated or registered legal entities
- Provincial, territorial, regional, and municipal governments
- Indigenous communities, governments, and organizations
- International legal entities under GPI only
Who is not eligible
- Projects involving downstream manufacturing R&D under GPI
- Projects based only on offtake agreements under GPI
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and benefits for project staff
- Professional, scientific, technical, and contracting services
- Training, workshops, travel, and facility costs
- Equipment, materials, supplies, testing, and commissioning
- Data collection, printing, translation, permits, and overhead
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Mining activities
- Drilling or exploration programs and studies
- Environmental characterization of waste
- Reclamation and disposal activities
- Sampling or source feed acquisition
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Abroad, for joint R&D projects under GPI with allied countries
Selection criteria
- Technology strength and innovation
- Economic and social impacts
- Project advancement toward commercialization
- Quality of the work plan, budget, team, and partners
- Alignment with CCMS and program objectives
How to apply
- Step 1: Review program requirements
- Read the applicant guide and confirm the project fits the program objectives.
- Prepare the information required for the Expression of Interest.
- Step 2: Complete the EOI form
- Provide organization details, project information, financial information, and partner details.
- Describe the project objective, status, TRL, expected outcomes, and financial justification.
- Step 3: Submit through the applicant portal
- Upload and submit the completed EOI form through NRCan’s applicant portal.
- Ensure the submission is complete before sending it.
- Step 4: Wait for review and possible invitation
- NRCan reviews the EOI for program fit and may invite selected projects to submit a full project proposal.
- If invited, work with NRCan to refine and submit the full proposal.
Processing and Agreement
- EOI forms are reviewed by NRCan for both CMRDD and GPI fit
- Only complete submissions are reviewed
- Strong projects may be invited to submit a full project proposal
- Successful projects proceed to a contribution agreement
- Approved projects must meet terms, conditions, and reporting requirements
Additional information
- Submission is by Expression of Interest only.
- Selected projects may be invited to submit a full project proposal.
- Projects must be completed by March 31, 2028.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Global Partnerships Initiative Program
What is the Global Partnerships Initiative?
This initiative supports pre-commercial critical minerals projects through non-repayable contributions and grants. It focuses on joint R&D, traceability, responsible resource development, and international collaboration.
How much funding can be received?
Global Partnerships Initiative Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Global Partnerships Initiative program?
To be eligible for the Global Partnerships Initiative program, you must:
Pre-commercial critical minerals project
TRL below 8
International collaboration for GPI
What expenses are eligible under Global Partnerships Initiative?
Pre-feasibility and feasibility studies
Front-end engineering and design studies
Technology testing and piloting
Pilot and scale-up work
Demonstration and deployment of critical minerals technologies
Who can I contact for more information about the Global Partnerships Initiative?
You can contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) by email at cmce-cemc@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.
Where is the Global Partnerships Initiative available?
The Global Partnerships Initiative program is available across Canada.
Is the Global Partnerships Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Global Partnerships Initiative is a Partnering and Collaboration