Challenge

The Critical Metals for Critical Industries Cooperative Research Centre (CMCI CRC) was conceived to build sovereign capability to produce high-value refined metals, by accelerating the development and commercialisation of new critical metals refining technologies. Its vision is to establish commercially competitive, sustainable and sovereign refining capability, strengthening supply chains while generating lasting economic, environmental and social benefits. 

Turning this vision into a competitive CRC proposal required building a substantial industry-led collaboration, developing an integrated ten-year research program, and demonstrating a compelling case for significant Australian Government investment. 

Approach

CIS was an integral member of the core CMCI CRC bid team from inception, supporting the proposal through Stage 1 and Stage 2 of Round 26 of the CRC Program and in preparation for the final interview. 

The bid was developed by a small core team, driven by the vision, passion and established industry networks of bid lead and Interim CEO Neville Plint, with critical support from Mining3 and the Rozetta Institute. CIS provided the specialist CRC expertise, capacity and systems needed to translate this vision into a comprehensive, investment-ready proposal. 

Our support included: 

• Comprehensive bid project management, strategic positioning and coordination across the application process 

• Partner engagement and coordination, including collection and synthesis of partner commitments and contributions 

• Development and refinement of the CRC's research programs, outcomes, impact pathways and value proposition 

• Drafting and refinement of responses to the CRC merit criteria and supporting application materials 

• Development of the CRC Impact Tool, economic assessment, financial modelling and detailed ten-year budget 

• Management and quality assurance of the Stage 1 and Stage 2 submissions 

• Preparation for the final CRC interview, including presentation co-development, coaching and mock interviews 

Working closely with the core team throughout the process enabled CIS to provide both strategic advice and hands-on delivery capacity as the consortium grew into a major national collaboration.

Outcome

The CMCI CRC was awarded a $53 million Australian Government grant through Round 26 of the CRC Program, underpinning a $240 million ten-year research and innovation initiative. This was the only funded CRC bid in Round 26. The successful bid brought together 60 partners contributing more than $73 million in cash, 245 FTE of staff capability valued at $58 million, and $56 million in non-staff in-kind support.

This investment provides the foundation for an industry-led national collaboration focused on developing and commercialising breakthrough refining technologies, producing sustainable high-value critical metals and strengthening Australia's sovereign capability and resilience in strategically important supply chains.