FAQ

Partners are not required for Phase 1 but they are encouraged as piloting and trialling solutions is a key outcome of the program.

In Phase 2 partners will be a requirement in order to allow for piloting in operational environments and delivery of ecosystem and value chain impact. The Phase 1 Proof-of-Concept project is an opportunity to build potential partner and end-user relationships as CMPAMIP Phase 1 grant recipients demonstrate feasibility of their technology ahead of applying for Phase 2.

Yes, however the research needs to be led by a university, research organisation or institution headquartered in NSW and all research, piloting and demonstration activities need to be undertaken in NSW.

In addition, the research must not have received any government funding (NSW Government or otherwise) previously for the same activities.

No critical mineral is ineligible; however, the CMPAMIP assessment criteria include value add and impact to the NSW critical minerals ecosystem and alignment to NSW strategies.

To see if your project is highly aligned to the NSW ecosystem please consult the NSW Critical Minerals and High-tech Metals Strategy 2024-2035.

Digital and software solutions are eligible; however, applicants must outline how the technology advances the NSW Government’s objectives to build critical minerals processing and/or critical mineral-derived advanced materials capabilities in NSW.

All applicants in Phase 1 are asked to consider a potential Phase 2 and how they will demonstrate their technology in operational environments with end-user partners in NSW. A digital solution will similarly be assessed on this same question.

Critical mineral-derived advanced materials refers to high value materials produced from processed critical minerals, such as alloys, permanent magnets, battery chemicals or advanced ceramics, designed for specific applications and used by downstream industries including clean energy, defence, electronics and advanced manufacturing. 

The Phase 1 grant is up to $100,000, which will be awarded and determined by the Assessment Panel. 

Yes. Technologies that process, refine or upgrade critical minerals and high-tech metals from secondary sources, including e-waste, mine tailings and other waste streams are eligible.  

However, the technology must focus on downstream processing and add-activities, rather than mineral extraction or mining activities. Applicants should demonstrate how their project contributes to NSW's critical minerals processing and advanced materials capabilities.

Either the lead applicant (researcher) or their research organisation may own or hold a licence for the relevant IP.

For applications at the earlier end of the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) spectrum, we recognise that the IP being generated may not yet be fully defined and may remain within the research organisation rather than being attributed to an individual researcher.

As outlined in the eligibility criteria and application form, the lead applicant must obtain approval from their research organisation before submitting an application. This approval is relied upon as confirmation that any relevant IP - whether owned or licensed by the lead applicant or the research organisation - can be appropriately commercialised through the CMPAMIP grant.

For Phase 1 applications, patents and detailed legal documentation demonstrating IP ownership are not required. This reflects the broad range of technologies and varying levels of maturity that may be represented across applications. However, applicants are asked to describe their IP strategy, approach and management arrangements within the application. This provides an opportunity to give assessors a more detailed understanding of the IP position and how it will be managed throughout the program.