Ensuring 'Pro-American Worker' Critical Minerals Supply Chain in the Western Hemisphere
Limited submission
This grant funds a project to improve labor standards and transparency in Argentina and Chile’s critical minerals sectors, supporting U.S. workers and manufacturing competitiveness.
Funder: Bureau of International Labor Affairs
Due Dates: September 7, 2026 (Technical questions deadline) | September 21, 2026 (Full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $5,000,000 total; one award; 36-month project period; no cost sharing required.
Summary: Funds a single project to strengthen labor standards compliance and transparency in critical mineral supply chains (copper, lithium, silver) in Chile and/or Argentina to support U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.
Description
This opportunity, funded by the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) at the U.S. Department of Labor, seeks applications for a cooperative agreement to implement a project focused on strengthening labor standards compliance and transparency in critical minerals supply chains (specifically copper, lithium, and/or silver) in Chile and/or Argentina. The overarching goal is to reduce labor-related supply chain risks that disadvantage U.S. workers and to support the competitiveness of American manufacturing by ensuring reliable, fair, and transparent sourcing of critical minerals.
The project is expected to address unfair labor practices, improve supply chain transparency, and foster multi-stakeholder engagement with governments, employers, and worker organizations in the target countries. Activities may include providing technical support to government agencies and employers, developing policy or enforcement standards, and implementing multi-stakeholder assurance systems. The program aligns with U.S. trade and labor policy priorities and is designed to counter unfair competition and supply chain vulnerabilities, particularly those arising from foreign (notably Chinese) investment and practices.
