Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson announced the initiation of the Call for Proposals (CFP) for the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF) designed to address infrastructure gaps hindering sustainable critical minerals production and the connection of resources to markets.
With a budget of up to $1.5 billion over seven years, the fund will support initiatives in clean energy, electrification, transportation, and infrastructure. These endeavors will contribute to the sustainable development of Canada’s critical minerals.
“Through the $1.5-billion Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund, Canada will make strategic investments in projects to help enable and grow the sustainable development of these minerals, reinforcing Canada’s position as a global supplier of choice for clean technology, clean energy and the resources the world needs to build a prosperous net-zero economy,” Wilkinson said in a statement.
This CFP marks the beginning of several under the CMIF, offering up to $300 million in contribution funding. Two streams are available: the Pre-construction and Project Development Stream and the Infrastructure Deployment Stream. Nongovernmental applicants can access up to $50 million per project, while provincial and territorial governments investing in public projects can seek up to $100 million per project.
Detailed information on funding opportunities and the application process is now accessible online. The deadline for submitting applications for this first CFP is February 29, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. PST.
As part of the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy, the CMIF aims to address strategic priorities, including decarbonizing industrial mining operations, strengthening supply chains through transportation infrastructure, and advancing economic reconciliation by involving indigenous peoples in infrastructure and critical mineral projects.
Applications to the CMIF Pre-construction and Project Development Stream will undergo assessment and ranking as a cohort after the CFP window closes. In contrast, applications to the Infrastructure Deployment Stream will be accepted and considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
In 2022, the Government of Canada initiated the Regional Energy and Resource Tables—a collaborative effort with provinces and territories to identify, prioritize, and pursue opportunities for sustainable job creation and economic growth. Critical minerals emerged as a priority area through the Regional Tables, providing an opportunity for provincial and territorial governments to highlight critical mineral infrastructure projects eligible for CMIF support.
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