First and Last Mile Fund

Advancing strategic mining and infrastructure projects that support critical minerals development in Canada

The First and Last Mile Fund (FLMF) will provide up to $1.5 billion in federal funding until 2030 to support strategic mining and infrastructure projects that are key to developing Canada’s critical minerals supply chains and getting critical minerals to market. The FLMF subsumes and builds on the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF) with an expanded mandate to support more activities at the upstream and midstream segments of critical minerals value chains. The FLMF will provide funding for:

• critical minerals development projects, including infrastructure enabling mining and processing (transportation and energy), as well as mine-site development
• Indigenous engagement, participation, and capacity building related to critical minerals development projects funded under the FLMF

Program details

Expected outcomes

The FLMF will address key infrastructure gaps in the upstream (mining) and midstream (processing) segments of critical minerals value chains, while enabling the capacity of implicated Indigenous communities and groups to:

• unlock and accelerate the development of new critical minerals resources and regions
• strengthen Canada’s critical minerals supply chains
• improve access to markets

Types of funding

The FLMF will offer non-repayable contributions, conditionally or unconditionally repayable contributions, and non-repayable grants.

Critical minerals development project funding

Canada’s rich endowment of critical minerals represents an opportunity to spur economic development, create jobs, and unlock new trading potential to drive one Canadian economy. As market and economic uncertainties persist and worsen, Canada must increase market confidence and attract the capital needed to build faster and with purpose.

Contribution funding under this stream is available for the following activities that support critical minerals in Canada:

• on-site critical minerals mine development
• enabling transportation and clean energy infrastructure for critical minerals mines and midstream processing facilities
• infrastructure needed for onward market access

Supported projects may include both preconstruction and deployment activities. They may also be regional in scale or focus on supporting a single critical minerals development.

Indigenous capacity funding

As most critical minerals deposits and enabling infrastructure projects in Canada are located in or near Indigenous communities, Indigenous groups are central partners in expanding Canada’s supply of critical minerals. Given the accelerated pace of critical minerals development in Canada, the capacity of Indigenous groups should advance in lockstep with critical minerals and enabling infrastructure projects.

Funding will be available to enable the leadership, engagement, and participation of Indigenous communities and groups that are implicated by FLMF critical minerals development projects.

Funding under this stream may be used by Indigenous groups and/or eligible partner organizations, for the following activities:

• engagement (for example, in-person or virtual meetings with project proponents)
• capacity building (for example, completing training or hiring personnel)
• knowledge gathering and sharing (for example, publishing reports or studies to inform decisions)

Indigenous support for the development of critical minerals or enabling infrastructure projects is not a requirement for funding.

Directed application intake

The FLMF targets strategic projects that align with key Government of Canada priorities. There is currently no open call for proposals. Instead, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) will identify proponents whose projects best align with program objectives and invite them to submit applications.

Applicants must maintain complete confidentiality throughout the assessment period and ensure that this confidentiality requirement is respected by their employees, representatives, partners, consultants, and other parties acting on their behalf. Applicants must refrain from making any public announcements, press releases, or any other communications relating to any aspect of their application status, or the review and assessment process, including their invitation to submit a full project proposal, until NRCan has officially communicated a formal funding decision.

Additionally, applicants must not disclose information related to their application to third parties nor authorize public communications concerning their application without prior written authorization from NRCan.

Critical minerals development projects

Invitation process

Applicants will be invited to submit an expression of interest (EOI) and, as applicable, a full application based on the alignment of their projects with program priorities, including the extent to which their projects:

• significantly contribute to the production of priority critical minerals for energy and defence
• demonstrate potential for near-term production
• are well positioned to leverage an FLMF contribution to attract investment
• support vertical and/or horizontal value chain integration within Canada
• unlock a critical mineral–rich region
• support Indigenous groups leading critical minerals development
• align with provincial and territorial priorities
• align with strategic priorities of international partner jurisdictions
• support vertical integration with international partner value chains

Applicants invited to submit an EOI or application will be identified by the Government of Canada based on robust engagement among federal experts as well as consultation with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners to prioritize the most strategic projects that will help achieve Canada’s critical minerals development objectives.

Support for priority projects takes into consideration funding need, alongside other federal instruments such as Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) and Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) financing.

Invited applicants will be provided with further information about the application and selection process.

Selection process and timelines

The FLMF project assessments will involve an interdepartmental process engaging expertise from relevant federal departments, as well as consultations with provincial and territorial partners, to inform recommendations on applications.

Invited applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• an eligible project’s expected support for critical minerals production in Canada
• due diligence related to the application quality, project feasibility, and project risks
• the project’s expected economic, environmental, and Indigenous reconciliation benefits and impacts

Once a full assessment is completed, successful projects will receive a conditional funding offer which will begin the process to negotiate a contribution agreement, including a comprehensive due diligence exercise.

Indigenous capacity funding process

The FLMF Indigenous capacity funding will directly support Indigenous communities and groups implicated by FLMF critical minerals development projects, with funding scaled based on the magnitude of impacts and/or opportunities. This funding will be offered in sequence with the assessment and approval of the FLMF critical minerals development projects. FLMF Indigenous capacity funding will be offered to Indigenous groups that are implicated by a conditionally approved development project. NRCan will invite these Indigenous communities and groups to apply for funding to support engagement, capacity building, and knowledge gathering and sharing act.

Collaboration with other federal support mechanisms

Applications received under the FLMF will be shared with federal partners, including the CIB, and will undergo an assessment of potential investment under complementary funding programs. In cases where support would be offered to a project by other funders or lenders, the FLMF contribution to that project will be scaled accordingly.

Timeframe

FLMF funding will run until March 31, 2030.

Funded projects

The following critical minerals development projects (including pre-construction and shovel-ready projects funded under the CMIF) and Indigenous capacity initiatives have been approved or are conditionally approved for funding.

As of March 2026, the CMIF was officially subsumed under the FLMF, including its contribution funding and Indigenous grants streams. All projects announced after this will be placed under the FLMF banner. The following list reflects projects funded under both the CMIF and the FLMF.

Critical minerals development projects

Wicheeda REE Project
Organization: Defense Metals Corp
Amount funded: $853, 825
Critical mineral: Rare earth elements
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Bear Lake, British Columbia

Anyox Hydro Redevelopment Project
Organization: Boney Creek Development Ltd
Amount funded:$736, 778
Critical minerals: Copper, molybdenum, zinc
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Anyox, British Columbia

Saskatchewan North-South Electricity Systems Interconnection Preconstruction Project
Organization: Saskatchewan Power
Amount funded: Up to $18,075,000
Critical minerals: Copper, uranium
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Regina, Saskatchewan

Northwest Transmission Line (NTL) System Upgrades
Organization: British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
Amount funded:$44,216,099
Critical minerals: Copper, molybdenum
Funding stream: Infrastructure deployment
Location: Northwestern, British Columbia

British Columbia Hydro System Upgrades for Highland Valley Copper Mine
Organization: British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
Amount funded: Up to $39,742,136
Critical minerals: Copper, molybdenum
Funding stream: Infrastructure deployment
Location: Kamloops, British Columbia

Wicheeda REE Clean Energy and Transportation Infrastructure Project
Organization: Defense Metals Corp
Amount funded:Up to $1,878,250
Critical mineral: Rare earth elements
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Bear Lake, British Columbia

Grays Bay Road and Port Project
Organization: West Kitikmeot Resources Corporation
Amount funded:Up to $50,000,000
Critical minerals: Copper, zinc
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Grays Bay, Nunavut

NICO Project Access Road
Organization: Tłı̨chǫ Government and Fortune Minerals Limited Joint Venture
Amount funded:Up to $50,000,000
Critical minerals: Cobalt, copper, bismuth
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Whatì, Northwest Territories

Cando Arctic Nexus (CAN)
Organization: Cando Rail & Terminals (Cando)
Amount funded:Up to $733,187
Critical minerals: Bismuth, cobalt, copper, lithium, rare earth elements, zinc
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Enterprise, Northwest Territories

Baptiste Powerline
Organization: FPX Nickel Corporation
Amount funded:$1,986,731
Critical minerals: Cobalt, copper, nickel
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Nechako region of Central British Columbia

Baptiste Access Road
Organization: FPX Nickel Corporation
Amount funded:$1,544,697
Critical minerals: Cobalt, copper, nickel
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Nechako region of Central British Columbia

Northwest British Columbia Highway Corridor Improvements Project
Organization: Province of British Columbia
Amount funded:$74,999,572
Critical minerals: Antimony, bismuth, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, nickel, platinum group metals, scandium, tungsten, zinc
Funding stream: Infrastructure deployment
Location: Northwestern British Columbia

Galore Creek Access Road
Organization: Galore Creek Mining Corporation
Amount conditionally approved: Up to $20,000,000
Critical mineral: Copper
Funding stream: Infrastructure deployment
Location: Northwestern British Columbia

Yukon–British Columbia Grid Connect Project
Organization: Yukon Development Corporation
Amount funded:Up to $39,926,869
Critical minerals: Cobalt, copper, gallium, germanium, molybdenum, nickel, platinum group metals, tungsten, zinc
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Locations: British Columbia and Yukon

Unlocking Fairloch Access Road
Organization: Rock Tech Lithium Inc
Amount conditionally approved: Up to $1,402,706
Critical mineral: Lithium
Funding stream: Infrastructure deployment
Location: Beardmore, Ontario

Jackfish and Armstrong Bypass Roads Upgrades
Organization: Green Technology Metals Limited
Amount conditionally approved: Up to $5,470,000
Critical mineral: Lithium
Funding stream: Infrastructure deployment
Location: Armstrong, Ontario

Marathon Palladium-Copper Project
Organization: Generation PGM Inc
Amount conditionally approved: Up to $771,100
Critical minerals: Copper, platinum group metals
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Marathon, Ontario

Studies for Electrical Infrastructure
Organization: Canada Nickel Company Ltd
Amount conditionally approved: Up to $4,376,230
Critical minerals: Nickel, chromium, cobalt, platinum group metals
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Timmins, Ontario

Shakespeare Mine Connection to Grid Power
Organization: Magna Mining Inc
Amount funded: $964,100
Critical minerals: Cobalt, copper, nickel, platinum group metals
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Sudbury, Ontario

Shakespeare Mine Road Upgrade
Organization: Magna Mining Inc
Amount funded:$521,854
Critical minerals: Cobalt, copper, nickel, platinum group metals
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Sudbury, Ontario

Crean Hill Transmission Line Development
Organization: Magna Mining Inc
Amount funded:$109,429
Critical minerals: Cobalt, copper, nickel, platinum group metals
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Sudbury, Ontario

All-Season Road Engineering and Design Project
Organization: Frontier Lithium Inc
Amount funded:$2,826,808
Critical mineral: Lithium
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Northwestern Ontario

PAK Lithium Clean Energy Project
Organization: Frontier Lithium Inc
Amount funded:$3,206,344
Critical mineral: Lithium
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Northwestern Ontario

Taltson Expansion Project
Organization: Government of the Northwest Territories
Amount funded:$25,000,000
Critical minerals: Bismuth, cobalt, lithium, rare earth elements, zinc
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Locations: North and South Slave regions of the Northwest Territories

McIlvenna Bay – Transmission Line, Substation, and Battery Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Implementation Project
Organization: McIlvenna Bay Operating Ltd
Amount funded:$20,000,000
Critical minerals: Copper, zinc
Funding stream: Infrastructure deployment
Location: Pelican Narrows to McIlvenna Bay, Saskatchewan

Strange Lake Northern Transportation Infrastructure Project
Organization: Torngat Metals Ltd
Amount funded: $9,995,216
Critical mineral: Rare earth elements
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Locations: Northern Quebec and Labrador

Planning for North Canol Infrastructure Improvements
Organization: Fireweed Metals Corp
Amount funded: Up to $12,877,688
Critical minerals: Gallium, germanium, tungsten, zinc
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Ross River, Yukon

Corner Bay and Devlin Mine Road and Power Line Project
Organization: Cbay Minerals Inc, a subsidiary of Cygnus Metals Limited
Amount funded: $1,276,033
Critical mineral: Copper
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Chibougamau, Quebec

Ashram Rare Earth Project Access Road
Organization: Commerce Resources Corp
Amount conditionally approved: Up to $2,606,977
Critical minerals: Rare earth elements, fluorspar
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Kuujjuaq, Quebec

Rose Lithium-Tantalum
Organization: Critical Elements Lithium Corporation
Amount conditionally approved: Up to $20,000,000
Critical mineral: Lithium
Funding stream: Infrastructure deployment
Location: James Bay, Quebec

Trans-Atikh Road Project
Organization: Eskan Company
Amount funded: $13,499,060
Critical minerals: Copper, lithium
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Quebec

Engineering Study for 120 kV Transmission Line to the Dumont Project
Organization: Dumont Nickel LP, formerly Magneto Investments Limited Partnership
Amount funded: $1,049,500
Critical minerals: Cobalt, nickel
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Abitibi, Quebec

Transmission Line Development for the Moblan Project
Organization: Sayona Nord Inc
Amount conditionally approved: Up to $1,337,600
Critical mineral: Lithium
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Quebec

Denison Mines – Transmission Line/Access Road Development
Organization: Denison Mines Corp
Amount funded:$4,534,315
Critical mineral: Uranium
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan

Infrastructure Projects to Unlock Canada’s Largest Lithium Resource
Organization: E3 Lithium Ltd
Amount funded: $4,397,625
Critical mineral: Lithium
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Mountain View County, Alberta

Green Bay Power Assessment Project
Organization: Firefly Metals Canada Limited
Amount funded: $613,775
Critical mineral: Copper
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Baie Verte, Newfoundland and Labrador

Electrification of Victoria Critical Minerals Mine
Organization: FNX Mining Company Inc
Amount funded: $735,584
Critical minerals: Cobalt, copper, nickel, platinum group metals
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Sudbury, Ontario

Huckleberry Mine Alternate Copper Concentrate Haulage Concept
Organization: Huckleberry Mines Ltd, formerly Imperial Metals Corporation
Amount funded: $1,040,153
Critical minerals: Copper, molybdenum
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Houston, British Columbia

Clean Energy Power Projects at Huckleberry Mines
Organization: Huckleberry Mines Ltd., formerly Imperial Metals Corporation
Amount funded: $899,601
Critical minerals: Copper, molybdenum
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Houston, British Columbia

British Columbia Hydro Transmission Line for Northwest British Columbia Mines
Organization: British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
Amount funded: $25,000,000
Critical minerals: Cobalt, copper, molybdenum, nickel
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Northwestern British Columbia

Ligne de transmission électrique pour l’exploitation durable du gisement de Phosphate Begin-Lamarche
Organization: First Phosphate Corp
Amount funded: $3,071,587
Critical minerals:High-purity iron ore, phosphate
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Saguenay, Quebec

Infrastructures routières pour l’exploitation responsable du gisement de Phosphate Begin-Lamarche
Organization: First Phosphate Corp
Amount funded: $1,771,350
Critical minerals: High-purity iron ore, phosphate
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Saguenay, Quebec 

Projet d’infrastructures de transport des minéraux critiques – Fosse du Labrador
Organization: Société ferroviaire et portuaire (SFP) de Pointe-Noire
Amount funded: $14,848,155
Critical mineral: High-purity iron ore
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Sept-Îles, Quebec 

Labrador West Regional Transmission Expansion Study
Organization: Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro 
Amount funded: $2,341,766
Critical mineral: High-purity iron ore
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador

Transportation and Energy Infrastructure for the Kami High-Purity Iron Mining Project
Organization: Kami Iron Mine Partnership
Amount funded: $949,131
Critical mineral: High-purity iron ore
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Wabush, Newfoundland and Labrador

Lac Knife Graphite Mine Connection to Hydro-Québec Power Grid
Organization: Focus Graphite Inc
Amount funded: Up to $1,378,700
Critical mineral: Graphite
Funding stream: Preconstruction and project development
Location: Northeastern Québec

Indigenous capacity initiatives

Internal Capacity to Engage on Critical Minerals Projects Organization: Manitoba Métis Federation - National Government of the Red River Métis
Description: The Manitoba Métis Federation will develop internal capacity to engage on critical minerals infrastructure projects, including by hosting engagement sessions, collecting Red River Métis traditional knowledge, and attending training session and conferences
Amount funded:$150,000
Status: Launched in 2025; expected to be completed by 2026
Critical minerals: Cesium, lithium, nickel
Location: Manitoba

Guardianship Training for Prairie Creek Access Road
Organization: Naha Dehe Park Corporation
Description: The Naha Dehe Park Corporation, a not-for-profit organization formed to co-manage Nahanni National Park Reserve with Parks Canada on behalf of the Naha Dehe Dene Band and the Dehcho First Nations, will undertake capacity-building activities through environmental guardian training to support the monitoring of environmental impacts associated with the construction of an all-season access road to the proposed Prairie Creek mine
Amount funded:$150,000
Status: Launched in 2025; expected to be completed by 2026
Critical mineral: Zinc
Location: Nahanni Butte, Northwest Territories

Collaborative Participation in Access Road Planning and Infrastructure Development for the Sherridon Copper-Zinc Project
Organization: Kiciwapa Cree Nation Association Inc
Description: Kiciwapa Cree Nation will provide environmental monitoring training to members of Mathias Colomb Cree Nation who live in the community of Sherridon and will hire a part-time exploration manager to support community member participation in T2 Metals Inc.’s Sherridon project access road and exploration activities
Amount funded: $75,000
Status: Launched in 2025; expected to be completed by 2026
Critical minerals: Copper, zinc
Location: Sherridon, Manitoba

Meaningful Engagement and Participation in Access Road Planning and Infrastructure Development for the Pine Bay Copper Project
Organization: Kiciwapa Cree Nation Association Inc
Description: Kiciwapa Cree Nation (KCN) will hire a full-time community coordinator who will engage the project proponent on the development of exploration access roads within KCN’s traditional territory, as well as provide context and information on KCN’s consultation and accommodation protocol (to be developed) to ensure meaningful engagement with proponents
Amount funded:$75,000
Status: Launched in 2025; expected to be completed by 2026
Critical minerals: Copper, zinc
Location: Sherridon, Manitoba

Record Ridge Magnesium Mining Project Access Road
Organization: Osoyoos Indian Band
Description: Osoyoos Indian Band will undertake a community consultation process to ensure free, prior, and informed consent for the access road that will service the Record Ridge magnesium project, with a focus on the infrastructure’s impacts and requirements. Activities will include community information sessions and a final report that could inform future regulatory processes
Amount funded: $49,952
Status: Launched in 2025; expected to be completed by 2026
Critical mineral: Magnesium
Location: Rossland, British Columbia

Meaningful Participation in Access Road Planning and Infrastructure Development for the Donner Lithium Project
Organization: Fort Alexander Indian Band operating as Sagkeeng First Nation
Description: Sagkeeng First Nation will hire a full-time community coordinator and two part-time Sagkeeng First Nation youths to host community engagement sessions related to the selection of an access road route and to development activities for the Donner Lithium project
Amount funded: $50,000
Status: Launched in 2025; expected to be completed by 2026
Critical mineral: Lithium
Location: Fort Alexander, Manitoba

Casino Project Access Road
Organization: Selkirk First Nation
Description: Selkirk First Nation will provide land guardian training to First Nation staff and community members for the environmental monitoring of impacts related to the construction of an access road to the Casino mine
Amount funded: $75,000
Status: Launched in 2025; expected to be completed by 2026
Critical minerals: Copper, molybdenum
Location: Pelly Crossing, Yukon

Meaningful Engagement and Participation in Access Road Planning and Infrastructure Development with Voyageur Minerals
Organization: Kiciwapa Cree Nation Association Inc
Description: Kiciwapa Cree Nation will hire a consultant to deliver two training modules focused on engagement with critical minerals exploration companies and to support engagement on critical minerals exploration projects requiring the development of access roads in the Flin Flon–Snow Lake Greenstone belt of western central Manitoba
Amount funded: $50,000
Status: Launched in 2025; expected to be completed by 2026
Critical minerals: Copper, nickel, zinc
Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba

Meaningful Engagement and Participation in Access Road Planning and Infrastructure Development for the Wine Project
Organization: Kiciwapa Cree Nation Association Inc
Description: Kiciwapa Cree Nation will hire a consultant to deliver two training modules focused on engagement with junior exploration companies and engage with critical minerals exploration companies about the development of access roads within KCN’s traditional territory
Amount funded: $50,000
Status: Launched in 2025; expected to be completed by 2026
Critical minerals: Copper, nickel
Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba

Phoenix Copper Mine Transmission Lines
Organization: Osoyoos Indian Band
Description: Osoyoos Indian Band will undertake a community engagement process to assess transmission line infrastructure that will service the Phoenix copper project. Activities will include community information sessions to discuss infrastructure-specific impacts, meetings with the proponent, and a final report to inform future regulatory processes for the transmission line infrastructure
Amount funded:$50,000
Status: Launched in 2025; expected to be completed by 2026
Critical mineral: Copper
Location: Oliver, British Columbia

Phoenix Copper Mine Access Road
Organization: Osoyoos Indian Band
Description: Osoyoos Indian Band will undertake a community engagement process to assess access road infrastructure that will service the Phoenix copper project. Activities will include community information sessions to discuss infrastructure- specific impacts, meetings with the proponent, and a final report to inform future regulatory processes for the access road infrastructure
Amount conditionally approved: Up to $50,000
Status: Launched in 2025; expected to be completed by 2026
Critical mineral: Copper
Location: Oliver, British Columbia

Access Road Planning and Infrastructure Training and Development for the Minago Nickel Project
Organization: Norway House Cree Nation
Description: Norway House Cree Nation will train community members to be involved in access road development for the Minago nickel mining project
Amount funded: $75,000
Status: Launched in 2025; expected to be completed by 2026
Critical mineral: Nickel
Location: Norway House, Manitoba

Applications of Clean Energy Battery Storage Systems in Critical Minerals Exploration and Mining in British Columbia
Organization: British Columbia First Nations Energy and Mining Council
Description: British Columbia First Nations Energy and Mining Council will develop a knowledge base and deliver an associated webinar to First Nations throughout British Columbia about clean energy battery storage applications in critical minerals projects
Amount funded:$149,500
Status: Launched in 2025; expected to be completed by 2026
Critical minerals: Cobalt, nickel, platinum group metals
Location: North Vancouver, British Columbia

Critical Minerals Infrastructure Policy Gathering
Organization: Métis National Council Secretariat Inc
Description: Métis National Council will host a policy gathering to discuss Métis participation in critical minerals infrastructure projects
Amount funded: $100,000
Status: Launched in 2025; expected to be completed by 2026
Critical minerals: Cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel
Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Blueprint for Métis Investment Attraction and Review Agency
Organization: Métis National Council Secretariat Inc
Description: Métis National Council will develop a blueprint for setting up a Métis Investment Attraction and Review Agency to evaluate potential for Métis participation in critical minerals infrastructure projects
Amount funded: $150,000
Status: Launched in 2025; expected to be completed by 2026
Critical minerals: Copper, lithium, potash
Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Clean Energy Needs Assessment for the Martison Phosphate and Albany Graphite Projects
Organization: Constance Lake First Nation
Description: Constance Lake First Nation will hire consultants and engage with stakeholders to inform development of a Clean Energy Needs Assessment to identify gaps in clean energy infrastructure for the Martison Phosphate and Albany Graphite projects
Amount funded:$75,000
Status: Launched in 2025; expected to be completed by 2026
Critical minerals: Graphite, phosphorus
Location: Constance Lake, Ontario

BESS SMART Grid System Feasibility Study for the Martison Phosphate and Albany Graphite Projects
Organization: Constance Lake First Nation
Description: Constance Lake First Nation will hire consultants and engage with stakeholders to conduct a pre-feasibility study for a battery storage SMART Grid System. The study will evaluate the economic viability, socio-economic impact, and potential for advancing this clean energy infrastructure to support critical minerals mining
Amount funded: $50,000
Status: Launched in 2025; expected to be completed by  2026
Critical minerals: Graphite, phosphorus
Location: Constance Lake, Ontario

SMART GH2 (Green Hydrogen) System Feasibility Study for the Martison Phosphate and Albany Graphite Projects
Organization: Constance Lake First Nation
Description: Constance Lake First Nation will hire consultants and engage with stakeholders to conduct a pre-feasibility study for a SMART Green Hydrogen System. The study will evaluate the economic viability, socio-economic impact, and potential for advancing this clean energy infrastructure for critical minerals mining, specifically the Martison Phosphate and Albany Graphite projects
Amount funded:$50,000
Status: Launched in 2025; expected to be completed by 2026
Critical minerals: Graphite, phosphorus
Location: Constance Lake, Ontario

Formation of Project Partnership and Community Engagement to Support FPIC for the Greenstone Transmission Line Upgrade
Organization: Animbiigoo Zaagi’ igan Anishinaabek
Description: Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek will form a project partnership and undertake community engagement to support free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) for the proposed Greenstone Transmission Line upgrade project in relation to the Rock Tech Georgia Lake lithium mining project
Amount funded:$50,000
Status: Agreement signed
Critical mineral: Lithium
Location: Beardmore, Ontario

Formation of Project Partnership and Community Engagement to Support FPIC for the Greenstone Transmission Line Upgrade
Organization: Aroland First Nation
Description: Aroland First Nation will form a project partnership and undertake community engagement to support free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) for a proposed Greenstone Transmission Line upgrade in relation to the Rock Tech Georgia Lake lithium mining project
Amount funded:$50,000
Status: Agreement signed
Critical mineral: Lithium
Location: Aroland, Ontario

Formation of Project Partnership and Community Engagement to Support FPIC for the Greenstone Transmission Line Upgrade
Organization: Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek
Description: Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek will form a project partnership and undertake community engagement to support free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) for a proposed Greenstone Transmission Line upgrade in relation to the Rock Tech Georgia Lake lithium mining project
Amount funded:$50,000
Status: Agreement signed
Critical mineral: Lithium
Location: Sand Point First Nation, Ontario

Formation of Project Partnership and Community Engagement to Support FPIC for the Greenstone Transmission Line Upgrade
Organization: Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek
Description: Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek will form a project partnership and undertake community engagement to support free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) for a proposed Greenstone Transmission Line upgrade in relation to the Rock Tech Georgia Lake lithium mining project
Amount funded:$50,000
Status: Agreement signed
Critical mineral: Lithium
Location: Macdiarmid, Ontario

Formation of Project Partnership and Community Engagement to Support FPIC for the Greenstone Transmission Line Upgrade
Organization: Ginoogaming First Nation
Description: Ginoogaming First Nation will form a project partnership and undertake community engagement to support free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) for a proposed Greenstone Transmission Line upgrade in relation to the Rock Tech Georgia Lake lithium mining project
Amount funded:$50,000
Status: Agreement signed
Critical mineral: Lithium
Location: Ginoogaming First Nation Reserve, Ontario

Formation of Project Partnership and Community Engagement to Support FPIC for the Greenstone Transmission Line Upgrade
Organization: Red Rock Indian Band
Description: Red Rock Indian Band will form a project partnership and undertake community engagement to support free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) for a proposed Greenstone Transmission Line upgrade in relation to the Rock Tech Georgia Lake lithium mining project
Amount funded:$50,000
Status: Agreement signed
Critical mineral: Lithium
Location: Nipigon, Ontario

Indigenous-Led Review of the Anyox Hydroelectric Dam Redevelopment Project Through Site Visits and Engagement
Organization: Boney Creek Development Ltd
Description: Boney Creek Development Ltd., the economic development arm of the Laxgalts’ap Village Government, will conduct site visits and host community engagement to share project information and collect feedback about local perspectives on the Anyox Hydroelectric Dam redevelopment project that will potentially service the Seabridge KSM copper mining project and the Avanti Kitsault molybdenum mining project
Amount funded:$50,000
Status: Agreement signed
Critical minerals: Copper, molybdenum
Location: Anyox, British Columbia

Electrofishing Training to Assess Impacts Related to the Proposed Transmission Line at the Wicheeda Rare Earth Elements Project
Organization: McLeod Lake Indian Band
Description: McLeod Lake Indian Band will undertake training on sampling methods that would inform the assessment of impacts to fish habitat resulting from a proposed transmission line that would power Defense Metals Corp.’s Wicheeda Rare Earth Elements mining project. McLeod Lake Indian Band will work with the University of Northern British Columbia and a fisheries biologist to organize and deliver the training
Amount funded:$50,000
Status: Agreement signed
Critical mineral: Rare earth elements
Location: Chetwynd, British Columbia

Community Gathering to Discuss Ring of Fire Development and Associated Supply Roads
Organization: Mushkegowuk Council
Description: Mushkegowuk Council, a regional political organization representing seven First Nations in northern Ontario, will support a community-led gathering with Mushkegowuk community members (from Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, Chapleau Cree, Taykwa Tagamou, Moose Cree, and Missanabie Cree) to discuss topics related to land, mining, and development in the region, including Ring of Fire mining and all-season access road developments, Indigenous rights, and community perspectives
Amount funded:$75,000
Status: Agreement signed
Critical minerals: Copper,nickel,chromium platinum group elements
Location: Moose Factory, Ontario

Indigenous Engagement to Inform Feasibility of a Utility Corridor in the Ring of Fire Region
Organization: Nibinamik First Nation
Description: Nibinamik First Nation will undertake preliminary community engagement to inform a Corridor Study that would evaluate the feasibility of bringing critical infrastructure to the Nibinamik community, including a transmission line, an all-weather road, and other utilities through an east- west, multi-use corridor. The study will look at linkages to the proposed Webequie Supply Road, Northern Road Link, and Marten Falls Community Access Road project and will be integral for the Nibinamik community to make informed decisions on supporting access to and development in their Homelands
Amount funded:$75,000
Status: Agreement signed
Critical minerals: Copper, chromium, nickel, platinum group elements
Locations: Summer Beaver, Thunder Bay and Toronto, Ontario

Engagement to Inform Potential Solar Plant Development and Related Power Purchase Agreement Feasibility
Organization: Dene Energy LP
Description: Dene Energy LP will engage with Indigenous groups, industry, and provincial officials to inform the feasibility of advancing development of a solar power plant and related power purchase agreement to supply clean energy to NexGen’s Rook 1 uranium mining project. The work is being completed by a local engineering firm, majority owned by Buffalo River Dene Nation
Amount funded:$75,000
Status: Agreement signed
Critical mineral: Uranium
Locations: Saskatoon, Regina, Birch Narrows, and Buffalo River, Saskatchewan

Strategic Planning for Clean Energy Infrastructure to Advance Critical Minerals Development
Organization: Shoal Lake Cree Nation Wenotisiwin Development Corporation
Description: SLCN Wenotisiwin Development Corporation, the economic development arm of Shoal Lake Cree Nation, will develop a strategic plan for advancing biomass clean energy infrastructure to facilitate critical minerals exploration and production within their traditional territory. The strategic plan will include engagement strategies to seek industry investment from critical minerals proponents
Amount funded:$74,667
Status: Agreement signed
Critical mineral: Manganese, vanadium
Location: Wenotisiwin, Saskatchewan

Capacity Building for Clean Energy and Transportation Infrastructure for the Seabridge Gold KSM Project
Organization: Treaty Creek Limited Partnership
Description: Treaty Creek Limited Partnership, a 50/50 limited partnership between the Tahltan Nation and the Nisga’a Nation, will engage with Seabridge and pursue and promote opportunities related to clean energy and transportation infrastructure to service the Seabridge KSM copper mining project
Amount funded:$150,000
Status: Agreement signed
Critical mineral: Copper, molybdenum
Location: Northwest of Stewart, British Columbia

Engagement for Transportation Infrastructure Feasibility Study
Organization: Cheslatta Carrier Nation
Description: Cheslatta Carrier Nation will undertake engagement activities (including meetings, online tools, and videos) regarding an initial comprehensive feasibility study being undertaken by Huckleberry Mines Ltd. (“Huckleberry”) that will evaluate an alternative shipping method for hauling copper concentrate from the Huckleberry copper mining revitalization project to tidewater
Amount funded:$28,186
Status: Agreement signed
Critical mineral: Copper
Location: Southbank, British Columbia

Traditional Knowledge Study and Community Engagement for the NICO Mine Access Road
Organization: Tłı̨chǫ Government
Amount funded:$200,000
Critical minerals: Bismuth, cobalt, copper
Location:Whatì and Behchokǫ, Northwest Territories

Meaningful Engagement and Participation in Access Road Planning and Infrastructure Development with the Fortune Minerals NICO Project
Organization: North Slave Métis Alliance
Amount funded: $140,588
Critical minerals: Bismuth, cobalt, copper
Location: Whatì and Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Bathurst Caribou Habitat Conservation Initiative
Organization: Wekʼèezhìi Renewable Resources Board
Amount funded: $200,000
Critical minerals: Cobalt, copper, zinc
Location: Various communities and Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

DKFN Guardians Monitoring Program: Lockhart–Lac de Gras, Slave Geological Province Corridor
Organization: Deninu Kųę́ First Nation
Amount funded: $188,482
Critical minerals: Bismuth, cobalt, copper
Location: Fort Resolution, Northwest Territories

Contact us

For information on federal funding opportunities related to critical minerals development, please contact the Critical Minerals Centre of Excellence concierge service, at cmce-cemc@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.

For further guidance on development projects, please send an email to the FLMF program inbox, at flmf_dev-dev_fpdk@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca, with the subject line Inquiry – FLMF.

For more information on Indigenous capacity funding, please send an email to flmf_icf-fca_fpdk@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca with the subject line Inquiry – FLMF.