International Partnerships in Critical Minerals Program

Applications are open on an ongoing basis. The grant opportunity will remain open for applications for up to two years. Applications submitted between 14 March 2024 and 1 August 2024 are currently under assessment. The Critical Minerals Assessment Committee will continue evaluating and recommending applications until the available funding is fully allocated or the program concludes, whichever occurs first.
Grants are available ranging from $2 million to $20 million to cover up to 50% of eligible expenditure.
- The minimum grant is $2 million, and when combined with your co-contribution, the total project expenditure must be at least $4 million to be eligible.
- The maximum grant amount remains at $20 million.

The International Partnerships in Critical Minerals Program supports early to mid-stage projects contributing to building end-to-end supply chains with Australia's international partners in the critical minerals sector. Aligned with the Australian Government's Critical Minerals Strategy, the program funds activities like pilot plants, feasibility studies, capacity expansions, and R&D collaboration.

These activities must mainly occur in Australia and involve producing or planning to produce critical minerals listed in Australia's Critical Minerals List.

The grant opportunity will be open for applications for up to 2 years, with ongoing assessment against selection criteria. Successful applications will be recommended for funding based on merit.

Key Requirements

Additional eligibility requirements:

We seek applications for projects involving or planning to involve critical minerals listed in Australia’s Critical Minerals List. These projects should be in the early to mid-stages of development, including activities post-exploration and before the final investment decision. It is essential that your project activities are substantially carried out in Australia. Additionally, you must provide evidence from your board (or chief executive officer or equivalent) supporting the project’s feasibility and your ability to complete it, including meeting costs not covered by grant funding. Furthermore, evidence of support from international project partners and your capability to contribute to project costs is required, along with all mandatory attachments.

The assessment criteria:

Assessment Criterion 1 focuses on the project’s benefit to Australia’s international partnerships in the critical minerals sector. You must illustrate how the project aligns with program objectives, supports resilient supply chains of mutual interest to Australia and international partners, fosters growth in the Australian critical minerals sector, and how the involvement of your international partner contributes to the growth of Australia’s critical minerals industry.
Criterion 2 evaluates your capacity, capability, and resources to deliver the project. You need to demonstrate your track record and experience in managing similar projects, plans for utilising and managing personnel with the right skills and experience, including strong governance, management, and technical expertise. Additionally, highlight the expertise and capacity of the project management team, including full-time resources allocated to key responsibilities, and how the capabilities of your international partner contribute to project delivery.
Criterion 3 assesses the impact of grant funding on your project and broader benefits. Describe how the grant will extend and enhance strategic outcomes, strengthen international partnerships, and create broader social and economic benefits such as job creation and economic opportunities, particularly for regional communities. Also, detail your strategy for workplace gender equality and First Nations engagement, including specific numerical targets, indicators, progress, and actions to be undertaken during the grant activities.

What is eligible for funding?

Eligible projects must be completed by 31 March 2027 and meet the following criteria:

The project must be substantially based in Australia.
It should involve the production or planning to produce critical minerals listed in Australia’s Critical Minerals List.
You must have an eligible international priority project partner.

You can utilise the grant funding for various purposes including labour, contracts, plant and equipment, travel, overseas costs, and other eligible expenses.

What companies are eligible for funding?

To qualify, applicants must:

have an Australian Business Number (ABN),
an Australian Company Number (ACN),
be non-income-tax-exempt,
and be registered for the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Additionally, you must fall under one of the following entities:

an entity incorporated in Australia and a trading corporation, where your trading activities form a significant proportion of the corporation’s overall activities or are a substantial, not peripheral, activity; or
an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust where your trading activities meet similar criteria.

Joint applications are acceptable, provided there is a lead organisation that is the primary driver of the project and meets the eligibility criteria.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Entitlement. Applications are assessed against eligibility criteria.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.

This grant is open

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