Nunavut Prospector's Program

Early-stage mineral exploration in Nunavut can be costly, especially when much of the work happens in remote field conditions. Independent prospectors and small exploration operators often face out-of-pocket expenses long before any commercial potential is confirmed. The Nunavut Prospector’s Program exists to help ease that financial pressure by supporting hands-on prospecting activities across the territory, allowing individuals to focus on discovering and evaluating mineral prospects rather than absorbing all the upfront costs themselves.

Delivered by the Government of Nunavut through the Department of Economic Development and Transportation, this program provides non-repayable funding of up to roughly $8,000 to help cover practical, project-related expenses incurred during fieldwork. Support is intended for essentials such as travel fuel, vehicle upkeep, food while working in the field, basic prospecting supplies, assistant wages, and the cost of mineral assays. By offsetting these core expenses, the program helps prospectors carry out meaningful exploration work that contributes to Nunavut’s long-term mineral development and economic growth.

The program is generally available to prospectors working in Nunavut who meet certain requirements and is typically offered on an ongoing basis, depending on funding availability. For anyone considering a field season or planning to advance an exploration idea, learning more about how the Nunavut Prospector’s Program works can be an important step before committing resources.