Deadline: October 01, 2025
The Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF) is now accepting applications to support projects that strengthen Ontario’s critical minerals sector through innovation and collaboration.
The program focuses on key priority areas including the battery supply chain, innovative techniques for deep exploration and mining, recovery of minerals, and other innovative projects that support the critical minerals sector. Objectives of the CMIF include increasing critical minerals exploration, mining, development, production, and processing; stimulating investment in Ontario’s critical minerals supply chain; and enhancing collaboration between industry, academia, start-ups, and research and development firms.
Eligible applicants include private-sector businesses or collaborations between private-sector businesses and public-sector academic or research institutions, provided the project takes place in Ontario and aligns with the key priority areas. Funding covers up to 50% of eligible project costs, with a maximum of $500,000 per project. Eligible costs include research and development activities like prototyping, product testing, and intellectual property protection, as well as commercialization activities such as building renovations and technology scaling.
Successful applicants will receive funding in three installments, contingent on meeting reporting requirements and signing a funding agreement. Projects receiving funding from other Government of Ontario programs are ineligible, though federal funding may be combined as long as total government support does not exceed 75% of project costs.
The CMIF is a competitive program, and funding is not guaranteed. Approved projects will be subject to public announcements, and applicants must adhere to strict reporting and insurance requirements.
For more information, visit Ontario Ministry of Mines.
