Canada Critical Minerals Accelerator

The Canada Critical Minerals Accelerator (CCMA) is designed to accelerate the production of critical minerals that we and our allies need.

The CCMA is designed to:

• advance projects aligned with national priorities while capturing the financial upside of the projects for Canadians
• help to advance Canada’s national stockpile of critical minerals that can be used to supply Canadian and allied needs

Types of funding

The CCMA will provide a variety of financing tools, such as equity, loan guarantees, and supply agreements, to reduce project risk and attract private capital to help projects reach final investment decisions, even in challenging markets.

Eligibility

While all of Canada’s critical minerals will be eligible for support, priority will be given to:

• near-term projects that unlock supply essential to energy technologies, advanced manufacturing, defence, and digital industries
• near-to-medium term projects with strong potential to increase supply
• projects that include dual-use minerals, which can be used in both commercial and defence applications, and projects of strategic importance to allied value chains

Investment decision process

Investments will be guided by a clear governance process and defined criteria.

Export Development Canada, in collaboration with Natural Resources Canada, will propose investment packages for support. Final decisions are made by a Ministerial Investment Board, co-chaired by the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and the Minister of Finance.

In considering potential investments, a range of factors will be considered, including the strategic importance of a project to Canada's critical minerals supply chains, the potential economic benefits for Canadians, opportunities to mobilize additional investment, and alignment with broader government priorities.

How to express interest

The CCMA targets strategic projects that best align with the Government of Canada’s critical minerals objectives.

There is currently no open call for proposals. Instead, the CCMA will identify proponents whose projects best align with its objectives.

Entities who wish to discuss their project should contact the Critical Minerals Centre of Excellence at cmce-cemc@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.