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Direct Government Funding


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Government funding

Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund Stream 1 & Stream 2

The Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF), delivered by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), offers up to $1.5 billion in federal funding for clean energy and transportation infrastructure projects enabling the sustainable development and expansion of Canada’s critical minerals sector.

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Whether you’re just exploring funding programs or ready to apply, Ayming is here to help.

Status

Closed

4 March, 2026

Funding

$1.5B in total fund

Up to 75% of eligible costs

Overview

Market expansion

Federal

Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund

The CMIF directly addresses infrastructure gaps that prevent Canadian mining projects from reaching their potential, financing everything from pre-feasibility studies and grid connections to roads, rail, and mine-site renewable energy. The program gives enhanced support, for Arctic, Northern, and Indigenous-led projects, and increases the maximum per-project envelope to $100M for provincial and territorial government applicants.

Eligible Activities

Stream 1 – Preconstruction Activities:
  • Prefeasibility and feasibility studies; engineering; planning and design work
  • Energy and resource modelling
  • Climate change and/or environmental reviews and assessments
  • Inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) plans supporting critical minerals sector participation
  • Knowledge sharing and capacity building
  • Job training related to the infrastructure project
  • Engagement and/or consultation with local and Indigenous communities and organizations
Stream 2 – Shovel Ready Activities:
  • Creation or enhancement of fixed transportation infrastructure
  • Clean energy generation, distribution, transmission, and/or storage infrastructure with demonstrated commercial viability in Canada
  • Construction, retrofit, or upgrades of energy infrastructure providing grid connection
  • Retrofits of existing renewable energy generation projects enabling grid integration
  • Site preparation, construction, rehabilitation, or enhancement of infrastructure
  • Capacity-building activities and engagement with Indigenous and other impacted communities

Eligible Applicants

Private sector:

  • For-profit organizations legally incorporated or registered in Canada
  • Not-for-profit organizations such as companies and industry associations

Government & public bodies:

  • Provincial, territorial, and municipal governments and related organizations
  • Provincial Crown corporations
  • Public utilities
  • Ports established under provincial or territorial statute or regulation

Indigenous organizations:

  • Indigenous communities or governments
  • Tribal councils or entities fulfilling a similar function
  • National and regional Indigenous councils and tribal organizations
  • Indigenous for-profit and not-for-profit organizations

Project Requirements

Each stream has specific minimum development thresholds that applicants must meet at the time of application. Technical reports must be recent (within 3–5 years) and conform to NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects:

Stream 1 – Preconstruction Activities:
  • A Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) must be completed at time of application
  • A Preliminary Economic Analysis (PEA) is acceptable if a PFS is currently underway and will be submitted within 1 year
  • Technical reports must follow NI 43-101 Standards and be no more than 3–5 years old
Stream 2 – Shovel Ready Activities:
  • A Feasibility Study (FS) must be completed at time of application
  • A Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) with full resource estimates is acceptable if an FS is underway and will be submitted within 1 year
  • Technical reports must follow NI 43-101 Standards and be no more than 3–5 years old

Why Work With Ayming?

Critical Minerals Expertise

We understand the technical and regulatory landscape of Canadian mining and critical minerals infrastructure.

Stream Selection Strategy

We assess your project's development stage and readiness to identify the right stream, and help you build the development milestones needed to qualify for Stream 2 if you're not there yet.

No Upfront Fees

Our success-based model means you only pay when you receive funding. Zero financial risk to explore your eligibility and start your application.

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Proven Track Record

We have helped hundreds of Canadian companies and organizations successfully access federal and provincial grants.

Expression of Interest & Full Application

CMIF uses a two-stage process. We manage both your EOI and full application, ensuring your project narrative, budget, and technical documentation meet NRCan's evaluation criteria.

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Large-Scale Funding Experience

With projects ranging up to $100M in federal funding, CMIF applications are complex and high-stakes. We bring the technical writing and budget structuring expertise that large infrastructure grants demand.

Ready to advance your critical minerals project?

Contact our grant experts today for a free eligibility assessment and find out how much funding your project could unlock.

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Our Government Funding Experts

Sadiar Ameri

Managing Partner & President, Canada

Tavia Fedoruk

National Director – Direct Funding

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Speak to us about this program

Whether you’re just exploring a government funding program or ready to apply, Ayming is here to help. Our direct funding experts simplify the process, maximize your funding potential, and guide you through every stage of financing your project.

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