Experts applaud $11M move by feds toward critical minerals
A new call for proposals by the federal government for critical minerals development has the support of many people in the industry.
It's called the Critical Minerals Research Development and Demonstration program (CMRDD) and it's looking to infuse another $11 million worth of funding.
It's part of $47.7 million announced in Budget 2021 for federal research and development. It will fund applications that demonstrate the ability to reduce energy and carbon intensity. The projects will also reduce the environmental footprint of processing, increase production and provide innovative advancements.
Minister of Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson recently put the call out for applications as part of National Mining week.
Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré said the benefits to the north are numerous.
"When you look at defence, security technologies, consumer electronics, critical infrastructure, there (are) a lot of other different companies that we have to attract in northern Ontario to make sure that our critical minerals stay here and that we look at manufacturing here in northern Ontario to get more jobs," he said.
Serré, who was once parliamentary secretary for the file, said natural resources are key right now as the government looks to meet its net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050.
"There's one intake, so it's really important that the private sector get together to see what we can do," he said.
"We know critical minerals, there's no politics here, federally, provincially, we're all working together because this is such a great opportunity towards obtaining our climate objectives."
Other sectors are expected to benefit, including mining supply.
Mine Connect represents the mining supply sector for companies in northern Ontario.
"Hopefully this will be an opportunity for businesses to demonstrate how innovative we actually are," said executive director Marla Tremblay.
"I know that northern Ontario is often seen as the provider of the resource, but we are also a manufacturing powerhouse."
"This is really an exciting opportunity," said Re-Think Green's Rebecca Danard.
"Critical minerals are going to be so important to our transition to a low-carbon economy. We're going to need more batteries, more solar panels."
It's the latest announcement to benefit the sector, following the release of the province's critical minerals strategy.
Many have stressed the importance of using critical minerals for things like batteries for electric vehicles.
"We really need to ramp up that capacity to meet the demand, right?" said Devin Arthur, of the EV Society of Sudbury.
"So to have strategies in place, to be able to supply that demand is going to be really important going forward."
Companies interested in applying have until June 17.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.