Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration Program
The Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration Program (CMRDD) is a Natural Resources Canada initiative designed to advance commercial readiness of mineral processing technologies, supporting zero-emission vehicle value chains and critical mineral development through two major funding streams.
Initially launched with a CAD 47.7 million budget allocation in 2021, including CAD 10.95 million specifically for pilot recycling plants and demonstrations, the CMRDD addressed both primary (ore deposits) and secondary sources (mine wastes and electronic waste recycling), with a comprehensive approach to mineral processing advancement. As of September 2024, the CMRDD is providing CAD 192.1 million in federal funding to support the development of innovative processing technologies for the critical minerals industry.
The programme operates through two distinct funding mechanisms:
1. Federal Research and Development Stream:
- Allocated CAD 35.7 million (2022-2024) supporting 30 R&D projects
- Additional CAD 44.4 million earmarked for federal laboratories
- Emphasises collaboration between industry, academia, and federal research facilities
2. Contribution Funding Stream:
- Distributed CAD 22.2 million (2022-2025) across eight pilot projects
- New allocation of CAD 40 million for midstream projects
- Targets specific applications including battery and permanent magnet development, advanced manufacturing supply chains, semiconductors, information and communication technologies, critical infrastructure value chains
There are fourteen approved grants (including three recycling projects) as of September 2024.
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