Western Australian Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston announced that up to $1.5 million will be invested in co-funded research and development in the state’s energy and emissions intensive mining sector as part of MRIWA’s Net Zero Emission Mining Challenge.
Making the announcement, the Minister said a $1 million competitive funding round opened on Wednesday to co-fund research proposals that address challenges to reducing emissions in the mining industry.
The State Government, via the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) is offering $500,000 ($20,000 to $50,000 per grant) to eligible program participants to develop their solutions.
Additionally, the Minister said, a call for expression of interest has also been launched for SMEs in the METS sector to participate in CSIRO’s free 10-week ‘Innovate to Grow’ online program, which will commence in July and help METS leaders develop innovative solutions to business challenges related to net zero emission mining in Western Australia.
Minister Johnston said these grants require matched funding and will be subject to an application process after the program’s completion.
“Today’s funding announcement will support the diversification of our State’s economy, and progress research on overcoming the challenges to decarbonise the mining sector,” the Minister said.
“METS are a vital part of the resources sector supply chain, and I encourage all eligible small businesses to apply and play a role in the McGowan Government’s commitment of net zero emissions by 2050.”
Applications for CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow program close on June 28, 2021 and applications for the $1 million competitive funding round close on July 7, 2021.
For more information and to apply for either initiative, visit https://www.mriwa.wa.gov.au/challenges/net-zero-emission-mining
