Mining Sector Initiative seeks Innovative Cleantech Solutions
A national network of innovation for mining, the Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator Network, MICA, is a national innovation ecosystem initiative designed to modernize mining and improve its productivity and environmental performance, strengthen the Canadian mineral supply chain and increase the domestic and export sales of Canadian innovators.
MICA is designed to bridge the innovation and commercialization gaps that delay commercial success by leveraging public and private sector investments.
For more, watch this video: https://youtu.be/enmLtOC5Nw8
Funding Guidelines:
MICA will fund up to 33% of eligible project costs. Applicants will be required to secure funding for the remaining project costs.
Technical Areas of Focus:
MICA will support late-stage R&D and commercialization projects undertaken within the four technology focus areas:
1. Increase Mine Production Capacity, at Lower Cost.
2. Reduce Mining Energy Consumption and GHG Emissions.
3. Implement Smart, Autonomous Mining Systems.
4. Reduce Environmental Risk and Long-Term Liabilities.
More specifically, those that help achieve the following environmental benefits:
1. Reduction in energy consumption and GHG emissions,
2. Reduction in waste generation,
3. Reduction in water consumption,
4. Reduction in ventilation requirements,
5. Reduction in electricity consumption,
6. Reduction in fossil fuel usage,
7. Increase in productivity.
The focus will be on projects at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) levels 4-9.
The call for proposals opened on February 7, 2022, and will close on March 7, 2022, at 11:59 PM EST.
Eligibility Requirements for Applicants Submitting Initial Application:
1. Applicant must be a MICA member (have a current MICA membership), at a minimum – SME
Level 1. To become a member visit https://micanetwork.ca/membership/membership-application/
2. Applicant must be carrying on business in Canada, and be incorporated pursuant to the laws of Canada,
3. Eligible projects must be completed by Q2 2026,
4. Eligible projects must have the participation of a minimum of one (1) Canadian SME.
5. Ownership of Eligible Project Intellectual Property created through MICA support will remain in Canada for a minimum of five years (5) after the end of the funding.
6. Applicants may submit more than one (1) project for funding with each project application
submitted separately for individual and independent review.
Application Process Overview:
1. Initial Application (Phase 1) completed and submitted as per instructions at www.micanetwork.ca
2. Upon review of project information (including relevance to current industry challenges by an
independent committee) and approval, the applicant is invited to submit a Full Application (Phase 2) for the project (note: Full application is a more detailed, in-depth application).
3. Upon review and evaluation of both technical and commercialization merit by an independent
Project Selection Committee, notification will be received indicating if the Full Application has
been successful in securing MICA funding.
To submit a proposal to the MICA network please go to: https://micanetwork.ca/call-for-proposal-1/
To download the MICA initial application guidelines please go to: https://micanetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/MICA-Initial-Application-Guidelines-EN.pdf