The Federal Government of Nigeria is providing grants to support early-stage mining exploration and research, through @SMDFemerge. Applications open August 3, 2026 Early-stage exploration companies and companies targeting critical minerals can receive up to 70% of eligible costs, while researchers and research institutions can get up to 100% of eligible costs. The Early-Stage Mineral Exploration & Research Grant Endowment (EMERGE) bridges the gap from stranded potential to investment-ready projects, and helps move Nigeria’s minerals up the value chain – advancing the industrialisation goal of the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Anmed Tinubu, GCFR. The Funding Streams: 1. Exploration: Grants for grassroots and early-stage exploration: geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveys, drilling and assaying. Who can apply: Licensed junior / early-stage exploration companies. 2. Critical Minerals: Targeted exploration of Nigeria’s critical minerals, plus support for innovative processing technologies that build domestic value chains. Who can apply: Companies targeting lithium, tin, tantalum, nickel, cobalt and rare earths, and other metals or minerals defined as critical by the Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development. Colleges & Universities 3. Research:: Grants for applied geoscience and mineral processing research that strengthen Nigeria’s geological knowledge base. Who can apply: Master’s and PhD researchers, university departments and research institutions. Eligibility: EMERGE is open to three groups across its funding streams: a. Exploration companies : Non-producing, early-stage explorers that have completed some prospecting, are CAC-registered, hold a valid Mining Cadastre licence, and have credible geological data and a qualified technical team. b. Universities & research institutions: Accredited Nigerian university departments and research institutions in geosciences and mining-related disciplines. c. Master’s & PhD researchers: Master’s and doctoral researchers in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, mineral processing, metallurgy and related fields at Nigerian institutions. How to apply: Interested applicants should apply here https://smdf-emerge.com.ng/#streamsThe post FG Early Stage Mineral Exploration And Research Grant Endowment EMERGE first appeared on Opportunities Hub.