Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) Ignited have opened the third round of its Collaborative Project Funds, with a free information session on how to access the funds on Thursday 29 June in Kalgoorlie.
The project funding is an opportunity for industry to secure matched funding ($6M is available) to commercialise innovation that will benefit the Australian mining equipment, technology and services (METS) and mining sectors.
Under the funds, METS Ignited is encouraging the development of projects led by a METS company collaborating with at least one other METS company and working closely with funding support from an end-user, such as a mining company, system integrator or OEM. Projects supported by researchers as subject matter experts will add strength to the collaborative efforts. All projects must be collaborative and industry-led with clear commercialisation applications that address one or more of the following:
- Industry Knowledge Priorities (IKP) in Sector Competitiveness Plan, including IKPs 1-3 that focus on strengthening METS company's business capabilities to make them globally competitive
- Key mining challenges
- Establishment of METS Living Lab nodes/sandpits as part of an industry wide Living Lab network
- Blue sky opportunities where solutions do not currently exist. Developing a solution will bring very significant and long lasting benefits to mining companies and to the Australian METS sector.
- Other industry-led projects that can demonstrate they will deliver a sustainable advantage to the METS sector
The third round of the METS Ignited Project Funds will have a particular interest in robotics and automation. However, all applications will be treated on their merits and assessed against the section criteria. All projects that have global impact and will deliver substantial benefits to the METS sector will be considered. More information is available via the METS Ignited Project Fund Guidelines or the FAQ.
The funding opportunity from METS Ignited can be accessed by industry via an Expression of Interest (EOI) process. To apply, complete the steps outlined on the METS Ignited website.
Projects will be evaluated on their merit against alignment with the above topics with all applications accepted up to close of business 31 August 2018.
There is no cost to attend the information session, however registrations are essential. Refreshments will also be provided. To register for the free information session on Thursday 28 June from 3pm - 5pm, visit the website.
Other free information sessions are also being held in Perth (29 June) and Karratha (3 July).