Up to $20 million in funding will be available for critical minerals applications as part of the Australian Government’s funding round.

For the first time, funding applications related to critical minerals projects will be prioritised under Round 7 of the Cooperative Research Centres Project (CRC-P) grants, helping to grow our resources sector, driving the nation’s economy and creating more jobs.

Critical minerals are those that could cause economic or strategic issues if affected by supply disruptions and include lithium, cobalt and titanium.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said to date the program has committed $202 million to 95 projects.

Funding is available for grants of up to $3 million, over a maximum period of three years. In addition to applications in the critical minerals field, the round is open to all industry sectors.

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matthew Canavan said the inaugural COAG Resources meeting in December agreed to develop a critical minerals work program in response to the huge range of industries which are rapidly changing because of the use of critical minerals in the new economy.

Applications for Round 7 close at 5:00pm AEDT, 28 March 2019, with funding outcomes expected to be announced in June 2019.

To apply, and for information on previous grant recipients, click here.

Industry grants now open in Tasmania

Companies can now apply for round two of the Tasmanian Government’s Mining Exploration Grants Program.

The initiative plans to unearth the next batch of mineral discovers in Tasmania and follows a 10 businesses received funding in round one.

It provides grants of up to $50,000 for direct drilling costs and $20,000 for helicopter support, if required, for successful applicants who are exploring for greenfield mineral targets.

The round 2 application period will close on 29 March 2019 with successful applicants announced by early May 2019.