Having read the grant criteria, and assuming that ARL did submit an application by the deadline, I lean towards the view that ARL has a good chance of success to secure the grant for the Goongarie Hub but not much of a chance for Kalpini, etc.
I have focussed on the following underlined points...
Key Requirements
Additional eligibility requirements:We seek applications for projects involving or planning to involve critical minerals listed in Australia’s Critical Minerals List.
These projects should be in the
early to mid-stages of development, including activities
post-exploration and before the final investment decision.
It is essential that your project activities are substantially carried out in Australia. Additionally, you must provide evidence from your board (or chief executive officer or equivalent) supporting the project’s feasibility and your ability to complete it, including meeting costs not covered by grant funding.
Furthermore, evidence of
support from international project partners and your
capability to contribute to project costs is required, along with all mandatory attachments. (
My note here: capability to contribute includes in-kind contribution, such a resources and not limited to monetary.)
The assessment criteria:Assessment Criterion 1 focuses on the project’s
benefit to Australia’s international partnerships in the critical minerals sector. You must illustrate how the project aligns with program objectives, supports resilient supply chains of mutual interest to Australia and international partners,
fosters growth in the Australian critical minerals sector, and
how the involvement of your international partner contributes to the growth of Australia’s critical minerals industry.
Criterion 2 evaluates your capacity, capability, and resources to deliver the project. You need to demonstrate your
track record and experience in managing similar projects, plans for utilising and managing personnel with the right skills and experience, including strong governance, management, and technical expertise. Additionally, highlight the expertise and capacity of the project management team, including full-time resources allocated to key responsibilities, and how the
capabilities of your international partner contribute to project delivery.
Criterion 3 assesses the impact of
grant funding on your project and broader benefits. Describe how the grant will extend and enhance strategic outcomes, strengthen international partnerships, and create broader social and economic benefits such as job creation and economic opportunities, particularly for regional communities. Also, detail your strategy for workplace gender equality and First Nations engagement, including specific numerical targets, indicators, progress, and actions to be undertaken during the grant activities.
What is eligible for funding?Eligible projects must be completed by 31 March 2027 and meet the following criteria:
The project must be substantially based in Australia.
It should involve the
production or planning to produce critical minerals listed in Australia’s Critical Minerals List.
You must have an
eligible international priority project partner.
You can utilise the grant funding
for various purposes including labour, contracts, plant and equipment, travel, overseas costs, and other eligible expenses.
What companies are eligible for funding?To qualify, applicants must:have an Australian Business Number (ABN),an Australian Company Number (ACN),be non-income-tax-exempt,and be registered for the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Additionally, you must fall under one of the following entities:an entity incorporated in Australia and a trading corporation, where your trading activities form a significant proportion of the corporation’s overall activities or are a substantial, not peripheral, activity; oran incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust where your trading activities meet similar criteria.
Joint applications are acceptable, provided there is a lead organisation that is the primary driver of the project and meets the eligibility criteria.
Is it just me and my biased reading, or are the above underlined key requirements/eligibility requirements specially drafted to fit ARL's circumstances?I have been involved in literally a dozen grant applications to the local, state and federal governments, with high success rate.
Having attended their briefing sessions, sought further clarifications and discussed with govt. officers and friendly competing NGO applicants, the distilled understanding is that:
- the government wants to know in detail all the positives,
- to address the selection criteria, and nothing else,
- to be concise and specific, in other words, don't waffle,
- to use professional level written English, no street lingo,
- to promote your company and the project, and
- not to assume that the selection panel for the grant applications can read the applicant's mind. If it is not clearly stated, it does not count.
Hopefully, ARL did put in an application.
(20min delay)