Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson has announced federal investments of more than C$15-million in projects to increase Indigenous participation and support the development of Canada’s critical minerals sector.

Using the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada convention in Toronto this week, Wilkinson announced the launch of the first call for proposals for Indigenous grants under the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF).

The first call for proposals will provide up to C$3.5-million in federal funding available to support Indigenous engagement, knowledge sharing and capacity building related to clean energy and transportation projects to enable critical minerals development.

Overall, the CMIF Indigenous grant stream will provide C$13.5-million in funding and run until March 31, 2030.

To support Indigenous communities in seizing the economic opportunities presented by sustainably sourced mineral resources, Canada will be funding seven mining projects representing more than C$10.4-million under the Indigenous Natural Resource Partnership programme. Activities funded through these projects include capacity-building initiatives, support for the development of partnership programmes, conducting key feasibility studies, expanding skills training and advancing important infrastructure projects.

These projects will expand the participation of Indigenous communities and organisations in the development of critical mineral projects that support the transition to a clean energy future.

On Monday, Canada also provided C$4.9-million to Magneto Investments Limited Partnership through the Critical Minerals Research Development and Demonstration Programme. This funding will go toward new and innovative technologies and processes that will help increase the supply of battery-grade cobalt and nickel sulphate, which are essential to the development of a secure and sustainable domestic electric vehicle value chain.

Canada is one of only two countries with the minerals and metals required for lithium-ion battery production. Magneto's project will support Canada in participating directly in the growing market of battery-grade cobalt and nickel sulphate domestically, instead of shipping concentrate overseas to feed the stainless-steel industry.