Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson
Canadian Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson on Tuesday announced that the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF) would begin accepting applications when it opened its first call for proposals in late fall 2023.
The CMIF will address key infrastructure gaps to enable sustainable critical minerals production and to connect resources to markets. With up to C$1.5-billion available over seven years, the fund will support clean energy and transportation projects that will enable critical mineral development.
Wilkinson said details about the first call for proposals would be available on the Canada.ca website, providing information about how interested applicants could apply.
“Critical minerals are a generational economic opportunity for Canada. As major enablers of clean technologies and clean energy sources, demand for critical minerals is projected to rise exponentially as the global economy continues to shift toward low-carbon solutions.
“Through the C$1.5-billion Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund, Canada will make strategic investments in projects to help enable and grow the sustainable development of these minerals, reinforcing Canada’s position as a global supplier of choice for clean technology, clean energy and the resources the world needs to build a prosperous net-zero economy,” he said.