Securing Fair and Reliable Critical Mineral Supply Chains
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) of the U.S. Department of Labor is offering approximately $9 million in funding for two cooperative agreements aimed at securing fair and reliable critical mineral supply chains, specifically targeting child labor (CL) and forced labor (FL) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Indonesia. The funding includes one award of up to $5 million for projects in the DRC, focusing on minerals such as cobalt, copper, tantalum, tin, and tungsten, and another award of up to $4 million for projects in Indonesia, primarily targeting nickel and optionally tin. Eligible applicants include commercial, international, educational, and non-profit organizations, with a strong encouragement for faith-based organizations to apply. Applications must be submitted electronically via grants.gov by September 26, 2025, no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, and technical questions should be directed to the Office of Grants Management at OGM_ILAB@dol.gov at least 10 business days prior to the deadline.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include any commercial, international, educational, or non-profit organizations, including any faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, or public international organizations (PIOs).Faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply, as are all organizations. Those that meet the eligibility requirements may receive awards under this funding opportunity. DOL will not, in the selection of recipients and administration of the grant, discriminate on the basis of an organization’s religious character, affiliation, exercise, or lack thereof, or on the basis of conduct that would not be considered grounds to favor or disfavor a similarly situated secular organization.