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Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Critical Minerals Accelerator

£25 million to scale up UK extraction, processing and recycling of critical minerals.

The Critical Minerals Accelerator backs companies that are close to commercialising a critical minerals technology but are stuck proving the unit economics. It covers extraction, midstream processing and recycling, for every mineral on the UK's 2024 Criticality Assessment.

Projects should sit at technology readiness level 6 to 8 — pilot to pre-commercial, or demonstrator heading for commercialisa

In scope: extraction, midstream processing and recycling of any mineral on the UK 2024 Criticality Assessment or the Critical Minerals technical annex, at TRL 6 to 8. The scheme is aimed at work that does not currently qualify for, or cannot attract, support from public finance institutions or private finance. Out of scope by implication: earlier-stage research that is not close to commercialisation.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.One-off
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.30 Sept 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.£25M

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Last verified: 27 Aug 2026Funder reference: critical-minerals-accelerator-1Source: www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk