METS Innovation Program WA

Purpose and Program Overview

The METS Innovation Program WA, delivered by the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA), aims to support METS (Mining Equipment, Technology, and Services) sector companies in developing innovative technologies that bolster mining productivity, environmental performance, and economic diversification. This initiative facilitates R&D translation and accelerates commercialisation in strategic areas—such as low-emission operations and critical minerals—which align with Western Australia’s industry transformation priorities.

The program provides matched funding for eligible projects and offers project facilitation, including connection with collaborators and navigation through the innovation ecosystem. It enhances the METS sector’s role in delivering practical, cost-effective solutions to the mining industry.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range
  • Matched funding of up to $250,000 per project (1:1 co-contribution)
• Application open and close dates
  • Next round closes 2 September 2025
• Eligible industries or business types
  • Western Australian–based METS companies providing equipment, technology, or services to the mining sector
• Required co-contributions
  • Must give a cash co-contribution equal to the grant amount (in-kind contributions valued but not leveraged)
• Location/state/territory applicability
  • Western Australia only

Priority Sectors

METS Innovation Program targets innovation in the following focus areas under MRIWA’s Research Priority Plan:

• Net-zero-emission mining
• Critical minerals
• Green steel
• Exploration amplification
• Alternative use of tailings and waste
• Precision and low-impact mining

Funding Scope

• Funding per project: Up to $250,000 matched funding per approved application
• Streams or categories: Single matched-funding stream, supporting research and development projects in METS innovation focus areas
• Project timeline: Not explicitly stated; however, projects typically align with R&D and commercialisation timeframes under MRIWA’s scheduling and board assessment cycle

Grant Amount in Total

The total program funding is $3 million, allocated across multiple matched-funding projects.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be a METS sector business supplying mining equipment, technology, or services.
• Located and operating in Western Australia
• Hold a valid ABN and be registered for GST.
• Incorporated in Australia, or be an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust
• Annual turnover of less than $50 million

Eligible Activities and Expenses

Supported activities and costs include:

• Salaries and wages for research personnel (salary on-costs capped at 30%)
• Research staff stipends
• Technician and operator support
• Consumables and analytical work
• Essential project-related travel (e.g., fieldwork)
• Equipment purchases and maintenance (justified, with quotes for items over $10K)
• Administrative overheads (capped at 10% of cash cost)

Ineligible expenses: General business operations, executive salaries, overseas conferences, non-project-related costs

Assessment Process

• Type: Competitive, merit-based evaluation
• Evaluation criteria include:
  • Alignment with MRIWA priorities and WA benefits (economic, environmental, social)
  • Innovation, project methodology, SMART milestones, risk management
  • Research team capability, inclusion of early-career researchers and diversity
  • Knowledge transfer plans, pathways to adoption, and IP management
  • Budget appropriateness and matched contributions

Applications are assessed by a Grant Assessment Panel and approved by the MRIWA Board, typically within three months of submission. Applicants may be asked to present or provide clarifications. Funding agreements follow approval.

Recent Program Updates

• The $3 million METS Innovation Program launched in December 2023, with closing dates and rounds continuing into 2025
• Five companies received $250,000 each in October 2024, totalling $1.25 million awarded to projects addressing battery cooling, robotics, energy-efficient conveyors, gravimetry automation, and AI-driven tank descaling
• The next round is scheduled to close on 4 March 2025, with another planned for 2 September 2025

Application Tips

• Ensure projects squarely align with MRIWA’s focus areas
• Secure 1:1 cash co-funding before applying
• Develop clear project milestones and risk plans
• Prepare IP planning and knowledge transfer strategies
• Contact MRIWA’s Research Portfolio Manager early for guidance
• Use the application templates (budget, Gantt charts, letters of support) provided by MRIWA

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. Further guidance and application resources are available through the MRIWA website.