Early-stage mineral exploration is expensive. Fieldwork and lab tests cost a lot, even before you know if your site has minerals. New Brunswick’s Junior Mining Assistance Program (JMAP) helps with these costs by covering up to 50% of eligible exploration expenses, to a maximum of $50,000.
This guide explains which costs usually qualify under the program, how the funding works, and what to know before you apply.
The Junior Mining Assistance Program is a provincial cost-sharing program designed to help discover valuable mineral resources in New Brunswick. Funding is repayable and supports approved mineral exploration activities carried out in the province.
While the province reviews each application on its own, eligible costs generally include the following categories.
Most approved expenses are for work done directly on the site, such as:
These activities must be part of a defined exploration program focused on finding mineral potential, not production or mine development.
You can often include professional costs that are necessary for planning and understanding exploration work, such as:
Professional fees must be reasonable, clearly listed, and connected to the approved project.
Some operational costs may be eligible if they are needed to complete exploration work, including:
General overhead, office rent, or corporate administration costs are usually not eligible unless specifically approved as part of your plan.
Under JMAP, funding is set up as follows:
You must pay the rest of your project costs from your own or other non-government sources. Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check if your exploration budget fits the provincial cost-sharing rules before you apply.
Applying to the Junior Mining Assistance Program involves several steps:
Prepare a detailed exploration plan
Clearly outline your proposed activities, timeline, and goals.
List all expected costs
Break down expenses by category and make sure each item fits the eligible cost guidelines.
Complete the application form
Submit your plan, budget, and supporting documents to the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development.
Wait for provincial review
The province will review your application and may ask for more details before making a funding decision.
Sign the funding agreement
If approved, you’ll receive a contract outlining the funding amount, eligible costs, and repayment terms.
Careful preparation can help avoid delays or questions during the review process.
Including ineligible overhead costs
Head office salaries, investor relations, and general admin expenses are rarely eligible and can weaken your application.
Submitting vague budgets
Lump-sum line items without detail make it harder for assessors to confirm eligible costs.
Assuming all exploration work qualifies
Only approved activities tied to mineral discovery are covered. Development or production work is not.
Forgetting the repayable nature of funding
This is not a non-repayable grant. You must understand the repayment conditions before accepting funding.
Q: How much funding can I receive under the Junior Mining Assistance Program?
You can receive up to $50,000, covering a maximum of 50% of eligible project costs. The exact amount depends on your approved budget.
Q: Is the Junior Mining Assistance Program a grant or a loan?
The program provides repayable assistance, not a non-repayable grant. Repayment terms are set by the province.
Q: Who can apply for JMAP funding?
The program is intended for junior mining and mineral exploration companies operating in New Brunswick.
Q: Are assay and laboratory fees eligible costs?
Yes. Assay and lab analysis fees directly related to exploration work are generally considered eligible expenses.
Q: Is the Junior Mining Assistance Program currently open?
Yes. The program status is listed as open, but funding availability may change during the year.
Eligible costs are the foundation of a strong Junior Mining Assistance Program application. Before you apply, match every expense to a specific exploration activity and check that it fits within the 50% cost-share limit.
GrantHub tracks active mineral exploration and mining funding programs across Canada and helps you see which ones fit your company, project stage, and province—so you can plan your exploration budget with confidence.
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