Funding decision
Alliance Missions grants are intended to provide support for research activities that will:
- advance Canadian knowledge, models, processes, tools and technologies to optimize efficiency, minimize environmental impacts, and/or support data-driven decisions along domestic critical mineral value chains, from exploration to recycling (e.g., geological and economic modelling of critical mineral deposits, flowsheets, life-cycle analyses, etc.); and/or
- develop efficient options to advance a domestic circular economy with less reliance on primary mineral resources through mine reclamation and/or critical mineral recycling or reprocessing (e.g., mining and industrial waste, end-of-life products, etc.); and/or
- support the development of best practices in technology, innovation and collaborative ventures (e.g., best practices to advance vertical integration across the sector, etc.).
| Year | Researcher | Project Title | Institution | Partner(s) | Area(s) of Application | Funding Amount | Type of Call |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Roué, Lionel | Étude de concentrés de graphite issus du recyclage des batteries Li-ion | Institut national de la rech scientifique | Waste, waste management and recycling; Energy storage and conversion | $360,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Fayek, Mostafa | The formation of critical metal deposits in Manitoba: implications for exploration and minimizing environmental impact. | University of Manitoba | Earth sciences; Natural resources (economic aspects) | $1,497,950 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Tharmalingam, Sujeenthar | A microbial sponge to mine the critical mineral gallium | Laurentian University | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Life sciences (including biotechnology) | $600,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Young, Steven | Lumet - Sustainability standards and traceability of critical minerals value-chains | University of Waterloo | Environmental impact of economic activities (including agriculture); Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing) | $1,040,701 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Zhao, Yang | Direct Recycling of Spent Solid-state Lithium and Sodium Batteries | Western University | Energy storage and conversion; Materials sciences | $895,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Pan, Yuanming | Synchrotron characterization on the surface chemistry of spodumene and other lithium silicates: Toward efficient and sustainable development of Canadian lithium pegmatites | University of Saskatchewan | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Earth sciences | $770,498 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Maclachlan, Mark | Innovative Supramolecular Approaches for the Separation of Critical Metals | The University of British Columbia | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Waste, waste management and recycling | $1,039,044 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Kaake, Loren | Capacitive direct Lithium extraction for sustainable battery production | Simon Fraser University | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Energy resources (including production, exploration, processing, distribution and use) | $1,096,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Liu, Jian | Recycling and Upcycling of Graphite Anodes from Spent Lithium-ion Batteries | The University of British Columbia | Energy storage and conversion; Materials performance | $992,348 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Williams-Jones, Anthony | Lithium in Pegmatites - from Source to Sink | McGill University | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Earth sciences | $1,086,150 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Ponnurangam, Sathish | Environmentally Sustainable Extraction of Critical Minerals from Alberta's Resources | University of Calgary | Waste, waste management and recycling; Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing) | $621,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Li, Yuning | Developing an affordable, portable/wearable sensor for Nickel Carbonyl monitoring and detection in Nickel manufacturing | University of Waterloo | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Manufacturing processes and products | $498,400 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Larson, Kyle | An integrated source to sink approach to characterizing critical metals enrichment in magmatic-hydrothermal deposits | The University of British Columbia | Energy resources (including production, exploration, processing, distribution and use); Earth sciences | $830,170 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Zhang, Yan | Characterization and solvent extraction of rare earth elements | Memorial University of Nfld | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Manufacturing processes and products | $801,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Hickey, Kenneth | Unlocking Canada's sedimentary rock-hosted critical metal potential | The University of British Columbia | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Earth sciences | $1,466,600 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Sain, Mohini | Molecular designing of Albany Graphite for broader energy market | University of Toronto | Materials performance; Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing) | $441,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Holuszko, Maria Ewelina | Recovery of Gallium and Rare Earth Elements (REE) from LED waste using sustainable bioprocess | The University of British Columbia | Waste, waste management and recycling; Advancement of knowledge | $439,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Liu, Qi | Recovery and Utilization of REE, Ti and Zr Minerals from Alberta Oil Sands Froth Treatment Tailings | University of Alberta | Electrical energy; Manufacturing processes and products | $1,400,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Wang, Xiaolei | Battery Recycling for Efficient Utilization of Critical Minerals and Circular Economy | University of Alberta | Energy storage and conversion; Waste, waste management and recycling | $1,326,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Lecumberri-Sanchez, Pilar | Cobalt in the Northwest Territories | University of Alberta | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Earth sciences | $378,620 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Dollé, Mickael | Circular economy of graphite anode for Li-ion batteries: sustainable approaches to turn old into new | Université de Montréal | Waste, waste management and recycling; Energy storage and conversion | $750,006 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Laflamme, Crystal | Controls on nickel, copper, cobalt ore horizons in the Ungava Orogen, Nunavik, Quebec: Towards developing vectoring tools | Université Laval | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing) | $543,640 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Pickles, Christopher | Pilot scale microwave assisted-comminution and downstream processing of copper and copper-molybdenum ores | Queen's University | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Energy efficiency | $1,076,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Piercey, Stephen | Geology, Mineralogy, and Genesis of Critical Mineral-Bearing Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) Deposits | Memorial University of Nfld | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Natural resources (economic aspects) | $718,360 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Tessitore, Gabriella | Photocatalytic Remediation Improving Mining Economy and Sustainability (PRIMES) | Université Laval | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Waste, waste management and recycling | $639,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Jones, David | Next generation sensors for critical minerals | The University of British Columbia | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Earth sciences | $1,361,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Dang, Duc Huy | The mixed blessings of rare earth elements as critical minerals | Trent University | Agriculture and primary food production; Environment | $1,500,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Gagnon, Joel | Toward an integrated genetic model for the MacIlvenna Bay Cu-Zn-Au Deposit, Northern Saskatchewan | University of Windsor | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Earth sciences | $438,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Aranas, Clodualdo | Rare-earth-free permanent magnets with high energy density for electric vehicles | University of New Brunswick | Manufacturing processes and products; Materials performance | $1,300,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Beauchemin, Diane | Swift analysis methods to support the development of mines of critical minerals | Queen's University | Instrumentation technology; Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing) | $397,410 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Rezai, Pouya | Portable and sensitive platform technologies for rapid isolation, detection, and quantification of critical minerals in fluids: from mine exploration to electronics recycling | York University | Materials sciences; Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing) | $1,486,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Galli, Federico | Concentration des métaux stratégiques issus de la mine urbaine par procédé hydrothermal | Université de Sherbrooke | Waste, waste management and recycling; Manufacturing processes and products | $892,485 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Huang, Gordon | Development of an enhanced lithium recovery system integrated with composite selective materials | University of Regina | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Environment | $875,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Gibson, Charlotte | The beneficiation of lithium minerals from low-grade deposits | Queen's University | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Engineering | $772,900 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Zou, Yu | Recycling, Advanced Manufacturing and Post-Processing of Rare Earth Permanent Magnets | University of Toronto | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Manufacturing processes and products | $1,500,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Zhao, Benzhong | Optimizing subsurface mining technologies for sustainable lithium production from brines | McMaster University | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing) | $379,970 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Niewczas, Marek | Development of High Strength, High Electrical Conductivity Aluminum Alloys for the Replacement of Copper in Electrical Applications | McMaster University | Materials performance; Primary metal products (ferrous and non-ferrous) | $645,320 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Holmden, Chris | Oilfields to batteries--using oilfield-brines to decipher the origin of Li in Saskatchewan's subsurface brine resource | University of Saskatchewan | Energy resources (including production, exploration, processing, distribution and use); Primary metal products (ferrous and non-ferrous) | $1,389,483 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Gilmore, Colin | Advances in Time-Domain Electromagnetic Surveys for Critical Minerals | University of Manitoba | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Electrical and electronic machinery and equipment (including computer hardware) | $682,212 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Higgins, Drew | Recovery of zinc and manganese dioxide from spent rechargeable zinc-ion batteries and reuse in freshly prepared electrodes | McMaster University | Energy storage and conversion; Waste, waste management and recycling | $633,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Li, Ge | Green Graphite Production, Fast-Charging Battery Application, and Recycling | University of Alberta | Materials sciences; Engineering | $896,400 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Ansdell, Kevin | Life cycle assessment of critical minerals in a copper-zinc system | University of Saskatchewan | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Environmental impact of economic activities (including agriculture) | $1,162,800 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Habib, Komal | Beyond Lithium: Establishing resource efficient circularity pathways for urban mines of battery materials in Canada | University of Waterloo | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Engineering | $501,500 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Zhang, Jin | Graphene-Enhanced solutions for magnetic critical minerals detection and extraction from electronic waste | Western University | Manufacturing processes and products; Ceramic, glass and industrial mineral products | $519,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Blewett, Tamzin | Assessing the ecological risk associated with critical mineral extraction in Northern ecosystems | University of Alberta | Environmental impact of economic activities (including agriculture); Environment | $1,032,319 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Gu, Frank | Critical Resource Extraction using Sustainable Techniques (CREST) | University of Toronto | Water; Environment | $1,500,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Goward, Gillian | Assessing the Circular Economy for Endangered Elements Needed in Lithium Ion Batteries: Advanced Characterization of Recycled Materials and LIB Performance | McMaster University | Materials sciences; Energy storage and conversion | $1,110,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Partin, Camille | Unlocking Canada's rare earth element (REE) potential: a multidisciplinary approach to understand high-grade critical REE mineralization in northern Saskatchewan | University of Saskatchewan | Earth sciences | $807,218 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Singh, Chandra Veer | Sustainable development of solid-state battery materials (SuBMat) | University of Toronto | Energy storage and conversion; Manufacturing processes and products | $775,500 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Waters, Kristian | Mineral to materials - lithium for batteries | McGill University | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Natural resources (economic aspects) | $1,098,420 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Demopoulos, George | Development of sustainable direct recycling and upcycling technologies for spent Li-ion battery cathodes | McGill University | Energy storage and conversion; Waste, waste management and recycling | $1,397,400 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Benoit, Michael | Laser cladding of nickel superalloy Inconel 686 for resilient zinc processing infrastructure | University of Waterloo | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Manufacturing processes and products | $452,250 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Crowe, Sean | Applying genomics to the discovery of critical minerals under cover | The University of British Columbia | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Life sciences (including biotechnology) | $535,177 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Roesler, Roland | Selective extraction of rare earth elements from Canadian resources | University of Calgary | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Energy efficiency | $1,500,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Hassani, Faramarz | Innovative Microwave Solutions for Critical Mineral Continuous Excavation and Sustainable Processing | McGill University | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing) | $1,364,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Howarth, Ashlee | Metal-Organic frameworks for optimizing efficiency of Rare Earth element extraction and separation | Concordia University | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Materials performance | $1,331,916 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Ofori-Opoku, Nana | Sustainable critical mineral recovery: advancing CO2 sequestration and mineral extraction | McMaster University | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Climate and atmosphere | $1,477,450 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Dixon, David | Development of a novel technology for the recovery of copper from tailings | The University of British Columbia | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Natural resources (economic aspects) | $300,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Scott, John | Microalgal biosorption of critical minerals from mining related tailing ponds - recovering key metals to better protect aquatic systems and water supplies. | Laurentian University | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Environment | $530,990 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Demers, Isabelle | Valorisation des stériles d'une mine québécoise de graphite | Univ du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Waste, waste management and recycling | $540,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Archibald, Donnelly | The origin of lithium resources in southern Newfoundland | St. Francis Xavier University | Natural resources (economic aspects); Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing) | $1,322,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Hsiao, Amy | Sustainable Assets with Value for Energy and Manufacturing (SAVEM) | University of Prince Edward Island | Energy resources (including production, exploration, processing, distribution and use); Manufacturing processes and products | $870,000 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Estep, Donald | Joint Stochastic Inversion for Data-Informed Low-Impact Mining of Critical Minerals | Simon Fraser University | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing); Earth sciences | $638,530 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Lelievre, Peter | Integration of Geophysical and Geological Information Through Novel Inverse Methods Designed for Mineral Exploration | Mount Allison University | Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing) | $625,500 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Diak, Bradley | Bringing Canadian rare earth elements into wrought aluminum alloy production stream for advanced structural and electrical applications | Queen's University | Materials sciences; Energy storage and conversion | $1,437,378 | Missions - Critical minerals research | |
| 2023 | Haelssig, Jan | Development of an ultra-high temperature electro-thermal fluidized bed for graphite purification | University of Ottawa | Manufacturing processes and products; Mineral resources (prospecting, exploration, mining, extraction, processing) | $649,750 | Missions - Critical minerals research |