Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund
Canada's Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF) allocates federal funding to clean energy and transportation infrastructure projects enabling the development of critical mineral supply in Canada. The Fund (CAD 1.5 billion), launched in 2023, emerged as part of Canada's Critical Minerals Strategy to position the country as a leading supplier in global critical mineral value chains.
The fund provides targeted financial support for infrastructure projects that directly enable or improve critical mineral supply chains. Eligible projects include transportation infrastructure (such as roads, railways, and ports), clean energy infrastructure to power mining operations, and processing facilities. The programme operates through a combination of grants and repayable contributions, with funding available to private sector organisations, indigenous groups, and other qualifying entities. Project selection prioritises initiatives that demonstrate clear economic benefits, environmental sustainability, and meaningful indigenous partnership.
There are two avenues of support under the CMIF:
- Indigenous Grants: The first national call for proposals provides up to CAD 3.5 million in total grant funding for eligible engagement projects. Individual projects can receive between CAD 50,000 and CAD 150,000 in funding. This stream specifically targets Indigenous-led initiatives and early-stage engagement activities related to critical minerals development.
- Contribution Funding Stream: This stream provides up to CAD 300 million in total funding, structured across two project categories: preconstruction projects and shovel-ready projects. The funding limits are clearly defined based on applicant type, i.e. non-governmental applicants can receive up to CAD 50 million per project, and provincial and territorial governments can access up to CAD 100 million per project
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