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 21, 2026
Funding Amounts: $5,000,000 total; one award; 36-month period of performance
Summary: Funds a single project to strengthen labor standards compliance and transparency in Western Hemisphere critical mineral supply chains (Chile and/or Argentina) to support U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.
Description
This funding opportunity from the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), U.S. Department of Labor, will support a single cooperative agreement to implement a project aimed at strengthening labor standards compliance and transparency in critical mineral supply chains—specifically copper, lithium, and/or silver—in Chile and/or Argentina. The project’s overarching goal is to advance U.S. manufacturing competitiveness by reducing labor-related supply chain risks and supporting fair working conditions in the extraction and processing of these minerals, which are vital to U.S. industry and national security.
Applicants must propose context-responsive strategies to address unfair labor practices in the target countries and sectors, with the aim to benefit American workers and manufacturers by securing reliable, ethically sourced inputs. Activities may include technical support to governments, guidance for employers, policy development, and multi-stakeholder engagement. The project is expected to align with U.S. government priorities and international labor standards throughout its implementation.
