Programs and funding for critical minerals projects
Global demand for critical minerals is increasing to support the transition to a low-carbon, green economy. With its vast wealth in minerals resources, Canada can leverage its mining and processing expertise as well as its world-class environmental, social and governance credentials to become the global supplier of choice for clean materials and advanced technologies.
The Government of Canada offers a wide range of programs and policies to support the development of critical mineral projects and value chains. The Critical Minerals Centre of Excellence is here to provide strategic guidance to help businesses make the most of these programs.
Investing in critical minerals
Canada’s approach to critical minerals is forward-looking, wide reaching and long-term. Investment in research and development (R&D) grew significantly in 2021 with $47.7 million allocated to support the development of critical mineral value chains. Additional investments were made in 2022 to continue and expand upon this effort.
| Federal Government R&D (incl. capital expenses and salaries) | $35.7M |
| Pilot and Demonstration (grants and contributions funding) | $12.0M |
| Total | $47.7M |
Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration Program
The Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration (CMRDD) Program is a three-year initiative led by CanmetMINING to:
- Develop green and innovative processing technologies for the critical minerals industry
- Advance Canadian mining projects toward production
- Further develop domestic critical minerals value chains
There are two components to the Program:
Federal Research and Development
Status: Ongoing
Under the Budget 2021 Program, more than 30 projects were funded, including research on lithium recovery from brine, rare earth elements separation, recycling of end-of-life batteries and many other technologies needed to process critical minerals.
Pilot and Demonstration
Status: Closed
This component consists of funding opportunities for pilot plants and demonstration projects in Canada to advance technologies for the battery and magnet value chains to commercialization.
The funding cycle for pilot plants and demonstration projects is now closed. More funding opportunities will become available in the near future.
Contact us
Email the Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration Program, at criticalmineralsrdd-minerauxcritiquesrdd@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.
Get support as you grow
As we develop and launch new funding opportunities specific to critical minerals, the following government programs and services are available to help your business.
Accelerated Growth Service
Helps high-growth Canadian businesses stay in Canada. A wide range of services is provided, including financing, exporting, innovation and business advice.
Strategic Innovation Fund
Allocates repayable and non-repayable contributions to innovative firms and high-growth sectors. The minimum contribution is $10 million for proposals with total costs of at least $20 million.
Regional Development Programs
Canada’s Regional Development Agencies offer a wide range of financial programs to help regional businesses become more competitive, innovative and productive.
Access financial and advisory support
The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC) offer a range of financing options and advisory services to support Canadian businesses. Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) may also have funding options for critical mineral projects.
Report a problem or mistake on this page
- Date modified: