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WA METS Innovation Program

WA METS Innovation Program

  • While applications are welcome at any time, specific submission deadlines are set to allow ample time for processing and review before each MRIWA Board meeting. Research Grant Application deadlines for 2024 are as follows: 4 June 2024 and  3 September 2024
  • Approved projects may receive matched funding of up to $250,000.

The METS Innovation Program aims to support research initiatives spearheaded by Mining, Equipment, Technology, and Services (METS) companies servicing to WA’s mining sector. With a $3 million funding allocation, the program offers a targeted grant scheme providing matched funding of up to $250,000 for qualifying grant recipients, along with project facilitation support for collaborative ventures. It focuses on advancing technologies in MRIWA’s strategic areas, including low-emissions technologies, precision and low-impact mining, critical minerals, and innovative uses of tailings and waste.

Key Requirements

The program backs research proposals in key areas:
  • net zero emission mining
  • critical minerals
  • green steel
  • exploration amplification
  • alternative use of tailings and waste
  • precision and low impact mining
Eligibility criteria:
  • Your business actively engages with the mining sector, supplying equipment, technology, or services (METS)
  • Your primary business operations are based in Western Australia and hold an ABN
  • Your annual turnover is below $50 million
  • Your project seeks no more than $250,000 cash from MRIWA and can match MRIWA funding on a 1:1 basis
  • Your project directly contributes to the advancement of Western Australia.

What is eligible for funding?

Research activity detailed in the application must align with minerals research, as defined in the MRIWA Act, involving investigations to acquire new knowledge or systematic work directed towards developing processes, techniques, or methods for minerals extraction and marketing.

Eligible expenses:

  • Salary and wage costs for personnel directly involved in the Project, capped at 30% for on-costs.
  • Consumables and analytical work necessary for project completion, with detailed cost breakdowns.
  • Essential travel expenses related to project activities, such as fieldwork and site visits.
  • Purchase of equipment if justified in the application, with MRIWA’s discretion on funding amounts.
  • Maintenance costs crucial for project operations, including refurbishing existing equipment.
  • Other costs like administrative overheads and facility charges, not exceeding 10% of the total project cost.

What companies are eligible for funding?

To qualify, businesses need to:

  • supply mining equipment, technology, or services
  • operate in Western Australia
  • hold an Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST)
  • maintain an annual turnover below $50 million
  • be an Australian-incorporated company or an incorporated trustee representing a trust.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement-based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

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

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

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

  • Industry analysis presentation
  • Competitor Analysis Presentation
  • Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
  • 3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
  • 3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
  • End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
  • CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
  • Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
  • Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

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.