The Australian government has launched a $40 million grant program to bolster the nation’s international partnerships for critical minerals.
Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King on Wednesday opened the applications for the four-year grant program.
King said the initiative is expected to bolster Australia’s international engagement on critical minerals and support cooperation with global partners, like the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, India, South Korea, and European Union nations.
“Secure supply chains for our critical minerals are essential if we want to build the windfarms, solar panels and batteries we need to reach net zero,” Minister King said.
“These supply chains will also be essential in working with our allies and friends in developing technology needed by defence industry.
“These grants support our Critical Minerals Strategy, which will build Australia’s sovereign capability in critical minerals processing, diversify global supply chains and help Australia become a clean energy superpower.”
Grant funding ranging from $2 million to $20 million will be available for various projects including:
- Pilot and demonstration plants, capacity expansions, and research and development projects;
- Development or commercialisation of technology and intellectual property;
- Critical minerals processing technologies; and
- Development of downstream processing capability.
Critical minerals are crucial in manufacturing low-emissions technologies, such as electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind turbines.
They are also needed in the advancement of modern defence and medical technologies.
To read more about grant guidelines, visit the Department of Industry, Science, and Resources website.
