The METS Innovation Program WA provides matched funding of up to $250,000 per approved project to help Western Australian mining equipment, technology and services companies develop innovative products and services aligned with the state's mining innovation priorities.

What the grant offers

• Funding pool: up to $250,000 per project on a matched-funding basis
• Focus areas: net zero emission mining, critical minerals, green steel, exploration amplification, alternative use of tailings and waste, and precision and low impact mining
• Eligibility: WA-based METS companies with turnover under $50 million
• Requirement: projects must meet the definition of minerals research as outlined in the grant guidelines

This is a targeted program designed to activate innovation and research across six clearly defined focus areas. If your project sits within one of those areas and qualifies as minerals research under the guidelines, it is worth a serious look.

Who should apply

To be eligible, businesses must:

• Provide mining equipment, technology or services to the mining sector
• Be based in Western Australia
• Hold an active Australian business number (ABN)
• Be registered for goods and services tax (GST)
• Have annual turnover of less than $50 million
• Be a company incorporated in Australia or an incorporated trustee applying on behalf of a trust

What makes a strong application

The six focus areas are not just a checklist. Assessors want to see that your project directly advances one of these priorities with a clear pathway from R&D to commercial adoption. The strongest applications typically demonstrate an existing relationship with a mining company that would trial or adopt the technology, because that signals real-world demand rather than speculative innovation.

The "minerals research" definition in the guidelines is specific and worth reading carefully before you commit to an application. Projects that sit on the boundary, for example software platforms or consulting methodologies, need to be framed tightly to meet this threshold. If your project is more service delivery than research, it is unlikely to qualify.

Net zero emission mining and critical minerals are getting the most policy attention at both state and federal level right now. Projects in those areas benefit from broader alignment with WA's climate and resources strategy, which gives assessors additional justification to recommend funding.

Why it is worth your time

• De-risk your R&D spend - matched funding means the government covers half the project cost, freeing up cash for other growth priorities
• Validate your innovation - a government-backed project carries weight with mining clients who want proven, lower-risk solutions
• Access to market - WA is the centre of Australia's mining sector, and METS companies with funded innovation projects are better positioned for procurement opportunities
• Build your grant track record - a successful METS Innovation project strengthens future bids for federal programs like the CRC-P, Cooperative Research Centres, or ARENA funding
• Policy tailwinds - net zero mining and critical minerals are attracting significant government investment across all levels, and this trend is accelerating

Frequently asked questions

Can startups apply?

Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria, including being a WA-based incorporated company with an ABN and GST registration. There is no minimum turnover requirement, only a maximum of $50 million.

What counts as minerals research?

The grant guidelines contain a specific definition. Generally it covers applied research and experimental development aimed at improving mining processes, equipment or technologies. Pure consulting or service delivery does not qualify. If you are unsure, we can review your project against the definition before you apply.

Do I need a mining company partner?

The guidelines do not require a formal partner, but demonstrating industry engagement or a pathway to adoption significantly strengthens your application.

What is matched funding?

You need to contribute at least dollar-for-dollar to the project. If you apply for $250,000, your total project budget needs to be at least $500,000 with your business covering the other half in cash or eligible in-kind contributions.

How Grant Savvy helps

Eligibility clarity

We check your ABN, GST registration, turnover threshold, incorporation status and confirm your project meets the minerals research definition before you invest serious time.

Project framing

We position your innovation within the right focus area and articulate the commercial pathway from research to mining sector adoption, which is what assessors want to see.

Complete grant drafting

Narratives, budget tables, risk registers, project timelines and technical documentation, all cross-checked against the program guidelines and minerals research definition.

Matched-funding evidence

We help structure your co-contribution evidence, whether that is cash reserves, committed revenue, or eligible in-kind, so assessors can see the project is fully funded.

Submission & follow-up

We manage the lodgement process, confirm receipt, and handle any clarification queries until a decision is made.

Our process

• Discovery call - 15 minutes to verify eligibility and deadlines.
• Scope & quote - fixed fee, clear timeline, detailed deliverables.
• Data gathering - collect financials, quotes, project plans, and technical documentation via secure share-drive.
• Drafting - we craft the full application and supporting docs in Google Docs for live review.
• Review & refine - one consolidated feedback loop, final compliance audit.
• Lodgement - portal upload with timestamp confirmation.
• Post-award support - milestone templates, variation letters, and acquittal guidance.

Standard turnaround: 3-4 weeks. Rush options available when capacity permits.

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