Closed
Support Program for the Scaling of Mineral or Primary Processing for Critical and Strategic Minerals
Funding for mineral processing scale-up in Québec
Last Update: May 19, 2026
Funding available
$ 10,000,000
Timeline
- Closing date : October 31, 2024
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
This program supports the scaling of mineral or primary processing projects for critical and strategic minerals in Québec. It provides funding for semi-continuous pilot projects and demonstration plants aimed at advancing new or improved processes.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase production or service capacity
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000,000 $
- Up to 33% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : October 31, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Manufacturing
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Scaling up mineral processing processes for critical and strategic minerals
- Scaling up primary processing processes for critical and strategic minerals
- Development or improvement of new processes
- Setup of semi-continuous pilot projects
- Setup of demonstration plants linked to commercial plants
Documents Needed
- Completed application form signed by an authorized signatory
- Project description, schedule, objectives, and expected results
- Proof of ownership or required authorizations for the Québec facility
- Technical reports, permits, and existing technical-economic studies
- Financial arrangement, audited statements, interim statements, and forecasts
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit companies
- Mining companies
- Industrial companies
Who is not eligible
- Ministries and budget-funded bodies
- Companies registered in RENA
- Companies in insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings
- Applicants that failed to meet obligations after formal notice on previous Québec public assistance
- Applicants not meeting the required integrity standards
Eligible expenses
- Construction, installation, and layout of the plant
- Purchase, mobilization, and installation of equipment or innovative technologies
- Preparation of plans and estimates for equipment or technologies
- Rent of buildings, space, or major equipment in specific cases
- Financial report preparation and eligible Québec university or NPO consulting services
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Commercial plant construction and land purchase
- OPEX such as commissioning, operation, salaries, travel, meals, and supplies
- Detailed engineering, business plans, technical-economic studies, and marketing
- External analyses, sample shipments, loan repayment, and taxes
- Any payments to entities registered in RENA
Eligible geographic areas
- Québec
Processing and Agreement
- The Ministère sends an acknowledgement of receipt when the application is submitted
- Applications are reviewed for eligibility, completeness, and compliance
- Projects are evaluated by an evaluation committee
- The decision is communicated in writing
- If approved, a grant agreement must be signed before funding is awarded
Additional information
- The program was closed on March 31, 2025 and is being renewed.
- Applications were processed on an ongoing basis.
- The beneficiary may apply more than once for distinct projects or different maturity levels.
- Construction contracts of $100,000 or more require a public tender process.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Support Program for the Scaling of Mineral or Primary Processing for Critical and Strategic Minerals Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Support Program for the Scaling of Mineral or Primary Processing for Critical and Strategic Minerals. 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 Support Program for the Scaling of Mineral or Primary Processing for Critical and Strategic Minerals?
This program supports the scaling of mineral or primary processing projects for critical and strategic minerals in Québec. It provides funding for semi-continuous pilot projects and demonstration plants aimed at advancing new or improved processes.
How much funding can be received?
Support Program for the Scaling of Mineral or Primary Processing for Critical and Strategic Minerals Funds up to 33% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Support Program for the Scaling of Mineral or Primary Processing for Critical and Strategic Minerals program?
To be eligible for the Support Program for the Scaling of Mineral or Primary Processing for Critical and Strategic Minerals program, you must:
For-profit Québec company
Mining or industrial sector
PML 7 or 8 project in Québec
What expenses are eligible under Support Program for the Scaling of Mineral or Primary Processing for Critical and Strategic Minerals?
Scaling up mineral processing processes for critical and strategic minerals
Scaling up primary processing processes for critical and strategic minerals
Development or improvement of new processes
Setup of semi-continuous pilot projects
Setup of demonstration plants linked to commercial plants
Who can I contact for more information about the Support Program for the Scaling of Mineral or Primary Processing for Critical and Strategic Minerals?
You can contact Government of Québec by email at service.mines@mrnf.gouv.qc.ca or by phone at 1 418 627-6278.
Where is the Support Program for the Scaling of Mineral or Primary Processing for Critical and Strategic Minerals available?
The Support Program for the Scaling of Mineral or Primary Processing for Critical and Strategic Minerals program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the Support Program for the Scaling of Mineral or Primary Processing for Critical and Strategic Minerals a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Support Program for the Scaling of Mineral or Primary Processing for Critical and Strategic Minerals is a Grant and Funding