How much funding can be received?

The Mining Decarbonization Demonstration Call provides up to $5,000,000 in funding to support demonstration projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Canadian mining sector. Eligible activities include de-risking and accelerating the adoption of innovative technologies at Canadian upstream to midstream mining operations focusing on mobile equipment, stationary combustion sources, and energy efficiency improvements.

grant_single_labels|projects

The eligible projects under this grant focus on demonstrating innovative technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in upstream to midstream operations within the mining sector. These projects are essential for supporting the Canadian government's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, particularly in the mining industry.

Deployment of hydrogen fuel cell-powered haul trucks as prototypes.
Testing the integration of commercially available battery electric vehicle haul trucks into mining operations.
Testing electric or low-GHG emission exploration equipment, such as drills and exploration camps.
Demonstration of energy management systems that optimize the duty cycles of electric vehicles.
Replacing gas air heaters with innovative air circulation systems for heating ventilation air.
Deploying air-source heat pumps to replace gas heaters for ventilation air heating.
Installing smart grid systems that incorporate renewable electricity sources to replace diesel generators.
Implementing portable battery packs in place of portable generators at remote mining sites.
Utilizing cogeneration systems for power and heat production at mine sites.
Introducing electric or low-GHG processing technologies for ores.
Improving the energy efficiency of ore processing through advanced technology.
Employing AI-driven energy management systems for optimizing ventilation on demand.
Implementing AI-driven ore sorting systems to reduce energy required for comminution.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and partner requirements.

Applicants must be legal entities validly incorporated or registered in Canada.
Eligible Canadian entities include for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, community groups, Canadian academic institutions, and various levels of government and their departments.
Indigenous communities or governments, tribal councils, national or regional Indigenous councils, or Indigenous-controlled organizations are eligible.
Applicants must either be owners or operators of mining, milling, and/or smelting assets in Canada, or technology solutions developers/providers. If classified as the latter, they must partner with an organization classified as the former.
Project partnerships must be identified during the Expression of Interest phase with a Letter of Contribution required at the Full Project Proposal phase.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Mining Decarbonization Demonstration Call in Canada is intended for various eligible Canadian entities that meet specific organization classifications and partnerships. These recipients need to align with the Call's objectives and contribute to the decarbonization initiatives in the mining sector.

Legal entities validly incorporated or registered in Canada, including for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, community groups, and Canadian academic institutions, are eligible to apply.
Provincial, territorial, regional, and municipal governments and their departments and agencies can also apply where applicable.
Indigenous entities are eligible, including Indigenous communities or governments, Tribal Councils, National or regional Indigenous councils, or tribal organizations, as well as Indigenous organizations that are majority-owned and controlled by Indigenous people, whether for-profit or not-for-profit.
Applicants must be either owners or operators of mining, milling, and/or smelting assets in Canada, or technology solutions developers or providers partnering with an asset owner/operator.
Projects require collaboration with partners, which can include foreign entities, provided these partners are identified and contribute to the project's success.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and industries mainly involved in non-aligned activities. The restrictions ensure alignment with the decarbonization objectives of the mining sector.

Companies operating in thermal coal or oil sands activities.
Entities focused on remote sensing, land use change improvements, and negative emissions projects.
Organizations developing decarbonization technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs) and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).
Projects already receiving funding from other NRCan programs may also be considered ineligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.

Salaries and benefits for employees on the payroll of the Recipient for the actual time spent by the employees on the project.
Training and workshops.
Professional, scientific, technical, and contracting services.
Travel expenditures, including meals and accommodation, based on National Joint Council Rates, adjusted for costs in Northern and remote areas, where appropriate.
Capital expenditures such as the purchase, installation, testing, and commissioning of qualifying equipment, materials, and products, including diagnostic and testing tools and instruments, and original equipment manufacturer equipment warranty (including extended warranties where deemed appropriate to mitigate risk and lack of capacity).
Other expenses related to the project or activity including laboratory and field supplies, printing services and translation, data collection services, facility costs for rentals, construction insurance, accreditation, license fees and permits, honoraria, training, and field testing services.
Overhead expenditures, directly related to conducting the project, up to 15% of Eligible Expenditures.
GST, PST, or HST, net of any tax rebate to which the Recipient is entitled.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant aims to support the mining sector in Canada, with a focus on projects that take place in Canada or have significant tangible benefits for the country. Preference is given to projects operating within the country, although some activities may transpire outside Canadian borders.

Demonstration activities must occur on a Canadian mine.
Projects occurring in remote areas not connected to the North American electrical grid.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant focus on balancing innovation, collaboration, environmental impact, and alignment with strategic objectives to foster decarbonization in Canada’s mining sector.

Adoption of innovative, low-carbon solutions in mining operations.
Potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the project level and potentially across the sector.
Fostering of collaboration between technology developers and mining operators.
Readiness level of technology (TRL 6-8) ensuring preparedness for demonstration in operational environments.
Project partnerships and the strength of letters of contribution.
Geographical consideration with demonstrated benefits to Canada.
Inclusion of stakeholder participation, with reference to Indigenous and underrepresented groups, in planning and implementation.
Scope and quality of proposed knowledge dissemination regarding project outcomes and insights.
Potential to advance the commercialization of clean technologies to position Canada as a global leader in mining sector decarbonization.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Review the Applicant Guide thoroughly to confirm your organization’s eligibility.
Ensure your project aligns with the objectives and criteria specified.
Step 2: Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission
Complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form via the Applicant Portal.
Submit all required information by 1:00 p.m. ET on January 27, 2025.
Step 3: EOI Evaluation
Wait for NRCan to evaluate EOIs through the Technical Review and Investment Review Committees.
Receive notification of EOI results in Spring 2025.
Step 4: Full Project Proposal (FPP) Submission
If invited, prepare a detailed Full Project Proposal (FPP).
Submit your FPP by the specified deadline in Spring 2025.
Step 5: FPP Evaluation
NRCan evaluates FPPs through the same review committees.
Receive project selection results in Summer 2025.
Step 6: Due Diligence
Undergo a due diligence assessment if selected.
Fulfill all requirements, including financial, technical, legal, and regulatory, within two months.
Step 7: Contribution Agreement
Work with NRCan to draft and sign a contribution agreement.
No funding obligation until the agreement is signed in Winter 2025/2026.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The funding is non-repayable and intended for pre-commercial activities with benefits accruing broadly.
Outcome reporting will be required for up to five years after project completion.
There is a strong focus on knowledge dissemination, requiring applicants to produce and share knowledge products.
There are provisions for in-kind contributions to be included in the overall project cost but not reimbursed.
Final assessments will consider inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) impacts.
Due diligence includes financial, technical, legal, and regulatory assessments.
There is a maximum allowable overhead expenditure capped at 15% of eligible expenditures.
Applicants must be prepared for NRCan to potentially share their proposals with other funding bodies for collaborative opportunities.

grant_single_labels|contact

eipmining-pieminiere@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

Apply to this program

Empowering Mining Sector Decarbonization

The Mining Decarbonization Demonstration Call offers a unique opportunity to obtain funding aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Canada’s mining sector. It seeks to accelerate the deployment and commercialization of clean technologies through demonstration projects within operational settings.

Detailed Insight into the Mining Decarbonization Demonstration Call

The Mining Decarbonization Demonstration Call is an initiative spearheaded by Canada’s Office of Energy Research and Development under the Energy Innovation Program. The grant focuses on the Canadian mining sector, which is both key to the country’s economy and a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Many technologies essential for decarbonization within this sector have not been fully commercialized or widely adopted, despite Canada’s standing as a leader in developing clean technologies. Thus, this call for proposals seeks to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation, providing an impetus for the sector to pivot towards low-carbon operational practices.

The grant aims to fund projects that fall within Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 6 to 8, emphasizing real-world application and demonstration of innovative decarbonization technologies. Eligible projects should focus on reducing emissions from mobile equipment, stationary combustion sources, and improving energy efficiency. Specifically, technologies that involve electrification of mobile equipment, retrofitting stationary combustion systems, and enhancing energy efficiency processes are central to the Call’s objectives.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has outlined specific criteria and expects projects to furnish real-world data that demonstrate not only the feasibility but the efficacy and commercial viability of clean technologies. Projects must originate within operational settings in Canada and show tangible benefits to the Canadian mining sector. Additionally, inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) principles are intrinsic to the Call, urging applicants to ensure diverse stakeholder engagement, particularly emphasizing the impact on Indigenous peoples and underrepresented groups.

Eligible recipients include for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, academic institutions, government bodies, and Indigenous communities. By fostering collaboration between technology developers and the owners or operators of mining, milling, and smelting assets, the Call encourages partnerships that can effectively integrate innovative solutions into existing mining operations. Funding offered through this Call ranges from $1 million to $5 million, constituting up to 50% of the total project cost, with Indigenous applicants eligible for up to 100% coverage.

Projects are required to quantify anticipated GHG reductions and must detail their approach to knowledge dissemination, ensuring that findings and innovations are shared across the sector to bolster a collective movement toward carbon neutrality. While the application is in two stages, beginning with an Expression of Interest and followed by a Full Project Proposal, the opportunity to leverage partnerships with non-governmental funding sources is strongly encouraged to amplify the impact and reach of the projects.

With Canada’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, initiatives like the Mining Decarbonization Demonstration Call are crucial in setting the course for a sustainable future. This Call not only supports technological advancement but also paves the way for comprehensive industry transformation, fostering a climate-resilient economic landscape while promoting energy innovation and sustainability.