In Mining.com.au’s first Funding Friday for 2026, a number of ASX-listed companies have received financing opportunities to kick off the new year.
Green Technology Metals (ASX:GT1) has received a letter of interest from Export Development Canada (EDC) for financing support of up to C$100 million ($107.46 million) for the Seymour Lithium Project in Ontario, Canada.
The extended letter of interest is valid through to December 2026, following on from formal discussions between the two parties since September 2024.
Managing Director Cameron Henry says the support from EDC demonstrates its interest in the Seymour Project.
“The extension provides both parties with the time needed to complete their respective due diligence and approvals for a transaction of this significance,” Henry says.
“We believe this is an optimal time to develop a project in Canada, with improving lithium market conditions reinforcing the strategic rationale for advancing Seymour. The current market environment positions us well to progress the project, and we anticipate 2026 will be a significant year for the company as we continue to achieve key milestones.
“It’s exciting to see continued momentum from Canada and Ontario governments, with policy changes and funding initiatives designed to accelerate critical minerals projects.
“Of particular note is the government’s readiness to support early stage critical mineral development reinforces confidence in the jurisdiction where we are building the Seymour Project.”
Canada orchestrated the C$2 billion Critical Minerals Sovereign Fund in the 2025 federal budget, offering equity investments, loan guarantees, and offtake agreements. The fund will begin helping critical minerals projects in 2026-27.
The government also created the First and Last Mile Fund, which will deploy C$372 million over four years starting in 2026-27 to provide up to C$1.5 billion through 2029-30 by absorbing Canada’s Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund. This fund is focused on developing the upstream and midstream supply chains.
Chariot awaits
Chariot Resources (ASX:CC9) entered a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Fujian Jinjianqiao New Energy Technology for financing and offtake opportunities.
The parties are not able enter any binding agreements until after Chariot completes its acquisition of Continental Lithium’s Nigerian lithium projects.
Chariot and Fujian Jinjianqiao will collaborate to evaluate design, construction, and operations of a lithium processing plant in Nigeria, where run-of-mine ore will be able to be upgraded into spodumene concentrate.
Fujian Jinjianqiao will conduct due diligence on the Nigerian assets under this MoU.
The agreement contemplates Fujian Jinjianqiao obtaining offtake rights for spodumene concentrate and other lithium-bearing products from the Nigerian assets. The companies will discuss credit lines and offtake prepayment financing in support of project exploration and development.
Fujian Jinjianqiao is a Chinese trader of lithium products, selling around 90,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate and ore in 2025. The company expects volumes to double in 2026.
While many mining and resources companies are still easing back into work, West Coast Silver (ASX:WCE) has found itself $3.2 million richer in 2026.
The company has now completed its placement to issue 16.84 million shares at an issue price of $0.19 per share. The issue price represents an 11.9% discount to the company’s 15-day volume weighted average price of $0.22.
CPS Capital Group acted as the lead manager for this placement, which opened on 31 December 2025.
Funding will be deployed to West Coast’s 2026 exploration program, including drilling, assay processing, and follow-up exploration at the Elizabeth Hill Silver Project in Western Australia.
Executive Chairman Bruce Garlick previously said the support from both existing and new investors puts the company in a “well-funded position” for 2026.
“Against a supportive silver price backdrop, we’re focused on advancing Elizabeth Hill and accelerating target generation across the broader district, with assays expected early in the new year and technical site visits planned in January or early February,” Garlick says.
West Coast Silver has consolidated a contiguous 180km2 package surrounding the historical Elizabeth Hill Silver Mine, with significant exploration and growth potential both near-mine and regionally.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Green Technology Metals & Chariot Resources
