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Source verified July 23, 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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
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.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
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.