Sum will be awarded for the best technology created for removing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere or oceans and store that carbon in a safe, cost-effective way.
It said it should have better communicated to the Australian Aboriginal group whose ancient rockshelters it destroyed of the recent management reshuffle.
Miner has pledged to pay nearly A$2 million ($1.4 million) in outstanding royalties to an Aboriginal partner, around a year after they were initially due.