Up to $250,000 to support Western Australian-based Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) companies to develop new products and services that address major sector challenges.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the METS Innovation Program (METS-IP)?
The METS Innovation Program (METS-IP), delivered by the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA), recognises the critical role of the Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector in driving innovation across the mining lifecycle.
The program is designed to help Western Australian-based METS companies develop new products, services, and technologies that address priority issues facing the resources industry, with benefits flowing directly to the State.
METS Innovation Program level of support
- Minimum funding: Not specified (projects must justify scale relative to outcomes).
- Maximum funding: Up to $250,000 per approved project
- Funding is provided on a matched basis (1:1).
- Applicants must provide cash co-contribution equal to MRIWA’s commitment.
- In-kind contributions are valued but not counted towards leverage
METS Innovation Program important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
METS Innovation Program objectives
The program supports Western Australian-based Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) companies to develop new products and services that address major sector challenges.
It aligns with the MRIWA Research Priority Plan and aims to deliver:
- Tangible economic, social, and environmental benefits for Western Australia.
- Collaboration between researchers, industry, and government.
- Acceleration of innovation across the mining value chain.
Projects and expenditure eligible for METS Innovation Program support
Eligible Projects
Projects must:
- Be minerals research (acquiring or applying knowledge to improve processes, techniques, designs, or methods for locating, extracting, transporting, or marketing minerals).
- Align with at least one MRIWA Focus Area:
- Net zero emission mining
- Critical minerals
- Green steel
- Exploration amplification
- Alternative use of tailings and waste
- Precision and low impact mining
Eligible Expenditure
- Salaries/wages for research staff directly engaged in the project (with salary on-costs capped at 30%).
- Stipends for higher degree students (if integral to the research).
- Teaching relief for tenured research staff.
- Project support staff, technicians, and operators.
- Consumables and analytical work.
- Travel essential to project activities (fieldwork, site visits).
- Equipment purchases where justified (quotes required for items >$10,000 ex. GST).
- Maintenance or refurbishment of essential equipment.
- Administrative overheads up to 10% of the total cash cost of the project.
Ineligible Expenditure
- Overseas or interstate conference travel.
- Salaries for tenured staff or executives whose salaries are already paid from other sources.
- General business operating expenses not directly attributable to the project.
Other METS Innovation Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for METS Innovation Program support
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Operate in the METS sector (mining equipment, technology, or services).
- Have their main business location in Western Australia.
- Hold an ABN and be registered for GST.
- Be incorporated in Australia (or be a trustee of a trust).
- Have annual turnover of less than $50 million.
All participating organisations (lead, sponsors, research partners, or other organisations) must also meet compliance and governance requirements.
METS Innovation Program assessment criteria
Applications are assessed against eligibility criteria first, then merit. The key Merit Criteria are:
1. Advancing Western Australia
- Clear economic, environmental, and social benefits to WA.
- Demonstrated contribution to MRIWA’s Research Priority Plan.
- Value of resolving the identified challenge (e.g., productivity, efficiency, competitiveness).
- Potential for industry diversification, employment, and investment attraction.
2. Project Design & Methodology
- Novelty and innovation of the approach.
- Technical strength and feasibility of design.
- Inclusion of clear, SMART milestones.
- Risk identification and mitigation strategies.
3. Research Team & Sponsors
- Capacity, expertise, and multidisciplinary mix of the research team.
- Inclusion of early-career researchers and women as key personnel.
- Sponsors’ financial contribution and engagement.
4. Knowledge Transfer
- Defined outputs and deliverables.
- Clear dissemination plan across research, industry, and government.
- Pathway to adoption and commercialisation.
- Plans for IP management, licensing, or exploitation.
5. Budget
- Appropriateness of project costs.
- Demonstrated co-contribution (1:1 minimum).
- Value for money relative to anticipated benefits.
How do I get the METS Innovation Program?
To improve your chances of success, your application should show that:
- The project is minerals research and fits within MRIWA’s Research Priority Plan and at least one Focus Area.
- The outcomes will deliver clear benefits to Western Australia – economic, environmental, or social.
- The project design is strong and practical, with clear milestones, deliverables, and risk management.
- The project has the right Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and a plan to progress it further.
- There is industry engagement and cash co-investment (at least 1:1 match required).
- The team has the skills and commitment to deliver, including support from sponsors.
- There is a plan to transfer knowledge and commercialise results, not just produce research.
- The budget is value for money, uses only eligible costs, and matches contributions are secured.
- Any intellectual property needed is identified and managed properly.
- All application requirements are completed, with forms and supporting documents provided on time.
Information to prepare for the METS Innovation Program application
Applicants will need to provide:
- Completed MRIWA Research Grant Application Form.
- Letters of Support from sponsors and participating organisations.
- Project summary (challenge, solution, intended benefits).
- Gantt chart showing milestones, deliverables, and timeline.
- Budget template detailing cash and in-kind contributions.
- Risk management plan aligned with MRIWA’s Risk Appetite.
- IP ownership and background IP details.
- Statements of expertise for the lead investigator and key personnel.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the METS Innovation Program
Applications must be emailed to: research@mriwa.wa.gov.au.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
METS Innovation Program resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
GrantHelper can assist with your organisation’s grant application, no matter what stage of the funding journey you’re at.
Whenever You’re Ready, Here Are 7 Ways We Can Help You
- Grant Application Readiness
Assess your current position, identify gaps, and prepare your organisation to meet the stringent requirements of competitive grant programs. - Grant Application Strategy
Pinpoint the right grants, align your projects with funding priorities, and establish a roadmap that significantly boosts your chances of success. - Grant Application Search
Let us do the heavy lifting to uncover the most relevant and high-value grant opportunities tailored to your business objectives. - Grant Application Writing
Our expert writers craft persuasive applications that showcase your strengths and align seamlessly with the funder’s goals and criteria. - Grant Application Review
Receive detailed, strategic feedback to sharpen your application, address potential weaknesses, and ensure maximum alignment with assessment benchmarks. - Grant Application Management
End-to-end oversight of your grant journey — from planning and writing to submission and reporting — so you can stay focused on running your business. - Grant Application Courses
Access self-paced online training to build your internal capability and develop the skills needed to navigate and succeed in the grant landscape.
Ready to get started?
Not Ready to Enquire Yet?
We understand that winning grants takes time—something many business owners and directors don’t have. That’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Insights showcase some of the grant-winning methods we employ at GrantHelper, and they will help you create a stronger grant application.
Explore our Insights page, or our Podcasts page, where you’ll find expert advice, actionable tips, and time-saving strategies to help you get grant-ready.
Alternatively, check out some of the Clients we’ve helped and what they had to say about us.
