About this opportunity
The Federal Government of Nigeria has opened applications for the Early-Stage Mineral Exploration & Research Grant Endowment (EMERGE), a funding initiative designed to accelerate mineral exploration, critical minerals development, and applied geoscience research across the country. Implemented through the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), EMERGE aims to bridge the gap between early-stage exploration and investment-ready mining projects while strengthening Nigeria’s mineral value chains in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Funding Streams The programme offers three funding categories: 1. Exploration Grants Supports grassroots and early-stage mineral exploration activities, including: Geological mapping Geochemical surveys Geophysical surveys Drilling Assaying Eligible Applicants: Licensed junior and early-stage exploration companies.
2. Critical Minerals Grants Supports exploration and innovative processing technologies for Nigeria’s critical minerals, including: Lithium Tin Tantalum Nickel Cobalt Rare earth elements Other minerals designated as critical by the Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development Eligible Applicants: Companies focused on critical mineral exploration and value addition.
3. Research Grants Supports applied research in geoscience, mineral processing, and mining-related disciplines to strengthen Nigeria’s geological knowledge base.
Eligible Applicants: Master’s researchers PhD researchers Nigerian universities Research institutions Funding Support Successful applicants may receive: Up to 70% of eligible project costs for exploration companies and critical mineral projects. Up to 100% funding for eligible research projects and institutions.
Eligibility
Exploration Companies Applicants must: Be CAC-registered. Hold a valid Mining Cadastre licence.
Be non-producing, early-stage exploration companies. Have completed preliminary prospecting activities.
Possess credible geological data. Have a qualified technical team.
Universities and Research Institutions Applicants must: Be accredited Nigerian universities or research institutions. Conduct research in geosciences, mining, or related disciplines.
Master’s and PhD Researchers Applicants must: Be enrolled at a Nigerian institution. Conduct research in fields such as: Geology Geophysics Geochemistry Mineral Processing Metallurgy Related mining disciplines Why Apply?
The EMERGE programme seeks to: Accelerate mineral exploration in Nigeria. Support critical minerals development.
Strengthen local research and innovation. Improve Nigeria’s geological knowledge.
Promote domestic mineral processing and value addition. Attract investment into the solid minerals sector.
Application steps
Apply here: https://smdf-emerge. com.
ng/#streams
Who can apply
- Eligible Applicants: Licensed junior and early-stage exploration companies
Sources and verification
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