The Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA) has thrown down the gauntlet, issuing its fourth call for proposals and challenging the Canadian mining sector to push the boundaries of innovation. This initiative isn’t just about funding; it’s about catalyzing a revolution in how we approach mining, from environmental stewardship to smart technologies. The call is open now, with applications closing on April 4, 2025, at 11:59 pm EST. Interested parties can find more information and apply at https://app.cemi.ca/call-for-proposals-4.
MICA, a national network headquartered at the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI) in Sudbury, Ontario, is on a mission to accelerate the commercialization of innovative mining solutions. This call for proposals is a clarion call to innovators, companies, and industry leaders to step up and shape the future of mining. But what does this mean for the sector?
Firstly, it’s a push towards sustainability. MICA is explicitly seeking environmental solutions, but it’s going further by giving additional consideration to projects addressing circularity. This isn’t just about reducing waste; it’s about creating a mining sector that’s part of a circular economy, where waste is minimized, and resources are kept in use for as long as possible. This could reshape how we think about mine waste, tailings, and even the end of a mine’s life.
Secondly, it’s a call to embrace smart mining technologies. The sector has been talking about automation, AI, and IoT for years, but this call for proposals could be the push needed to turn talk into action. By funding up to 30% of eligible project costs, with a maximum of $500,000 per project, MICA is putting its money where its mouth is. But there’s a catch – projects must be at technology readiness level (TRL) 6 or higher. This isn’t about funding ideas; it’s about funding solutions ready to be commercialized.
Thirdly, it’s a push towards critical minerals and metals. With the global push towards electrification and decarbonization, the demand for these minerals is only going to increase. By giving additional consideration to projects in this area, MICA is helping Canada position itself as a global leader in this space.
But MICA isn’t just about the projects it funds. It’s about the ecosystem it’s building. By requiring that the intellectual property developed with MICA funding remains in Canada for at least five years after project completion, MICA is helping to build a homegrown innovation ecosystem. This could lead to more partnerships, more collaboration, and more innovation.
CEMI, the organization behind MICA, is clear about its mission: to help mining companies close the innovation and commercialization gap. This call for proposals is a significant step in that direction. But it’s not just about CEMI or MICA. It’s about the entire sector. This call for proposals is an opportunity for the Canadian mining sector to show the world what it’s made of. It’s a chance to innovate, to collaborate, and to lead.
So, what’s next? Innovators, companies, and industry leaders need to roll up their sleeves and get to work. The call for proposals is open, and the deadline is set. This is the time to push the boundaries, to challenge the norms, and to shape the future of mining. The sector is watching, and the world is waiting. Let’s see what Canada’s mining innovators can do.