METS Ignited has launched an industry-wide Expression of Interest (EOI) process for businesses to access matched-funding for special projects. METS Ignited chief executive officer Ric Gros said the organisation was making about $3.6 million available in 2016/17 to encourage members of the Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector to collaborate on projects which targeted opportunities aligned to the METS Sector Competitiveness Plan (SCP), or to establish METS Living Lab nodes/sandpits. It is looking for dollar-for-dollar matched investment for collaborative, industry-led projects with clear commercialisation applications and which address at least one of the key SCP themes;

• reducing regulatory burden
• increasing collaboration and commercialisation
• improving access to global supply chains
• enhancing management and workforce skills.

“In this pilot round, we are seeking projects which address the METS 10 Year Sector Competitiveness Plan and applications will also be assessed against the METS Ignited Project Funds Program Guidelines,” Mr Gros said. “Successful projects will be announced in the first quarter of 2017.” Applications for this round close on December 23, 2016. For more information about the METS Ignited Project Funds click here.