Mining and Mineral Exploration Grants in Canada: Eligibility by Program

Early-stage mining and mineral exploration is expensive. Drilling, geophysics, and field work cost money before your project makes any revenue. Across Canada, governments offer mining and mineral exploration grants to help reduce that risk—especially for junior companies and grassroots exploration.

This guide explains who qualifies for which programs, with a clear focus on the Ontario Junior Exploration Program and similar federal and provincial funding. If you want to quickly check your eligibility for mining grants, GrantHub can help you compare programs in seconds.

Core Programs and Eligibility Requirements

Mining and mineral exploration grants in Canada are usually cost-sharing programs. You pay first, then receive a percentage back if you meet the rules. Eligibility depends on your company size, location, and exploration stage.

Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP)

The Ontario Junior Exploration Program is one of the largest provincial programs for early-stage exploration.

Funding available

Up to $200,000 per project
Covers up to 50% of eligible exploration costs
Additional up to $10,000 covering 100% of eligible costs for projects supporting Indigenous employment or businesses

Who can apply You must:

Be a non-producing junior mining company
Have a market capitalization of $100 million or less (or comparable value if private)
Be registered in Ontario
Propose grassroots mineral exploration in Ontario
Show proof you can cover 100% of total project costs
Carry at least $2 million in commercial general liability insurance

Eligible activities

Geological surveys
Geophysical work
Drilling
Other approved grassroots exploration activities

This program is competitive and intake-based. Missing documents or weak technical plans are common reasons for rejection.

GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter Ontario-specific exploration programs by company size and project stage in seconds.

Junior Mining Assistance Program (New Brunswick)

This program supports junior explorers working in New Brunswick.

Funding available

Up to $50,000
Covers up to 50% of eligible project costs
Funding is repayable under certain conditions

Who it’s for

Junior mining and exploration companies
Projects aimed at identifying economically viable mineral resources in New Brunswick

Because funding is repayable, this program works best for companies confident in follow-up financing or asset development.

Yukon Mineral Exploration Program (YMEP)

Yukon offers long-running support for both hard rock and placer exploration.

Funding available

Up to $50,000
Funding is repayable

Eligible applicants

Prospectors
Junior exploration companies
Placer and hard rock projects located in Yukon

YMEP supports very early-stage work, including grassroots prospecting and target evaluation.

Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – Preconstruction (Federal)

This federal program is not for early prospecting, but it matters once a project advances.

Funding available

Up to $50 million
Covers up to 50% of eligible costs
Generally non-repayable, but may be conditionally repayable for for-profit companies

Who can apply

For-profit and not-for-profit organizations
Indigenous groups and communities
Projects must be entirely in Canada and support critical minerals production

This fund supports infrastructure and feasibility work, not drilling or grassroots exploration.

Saskatchewan Critical Minerals Innovation Incentive

Saskatchewan focuses on innovation tied to critical minerals.

Key features

Provincial support for innovation and mineral development
Targets projects aligned with Saskatchewan’s critical minerals strategy

Funding amounts and cost-share ratios vary by intake and project scope.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying as a producing mine
Most junior exploration grants exclude companies with active production or revenue from mining operations.
Not proving full project financing
Programs like OJEP require proof you can cover 100% of costs upfront, even though they reimburse later.
Confusing repayable and non-repayable funding
Some “grants” must be repaid under certain outcomes. Always confirm this before applying.
See also: Repayable vs Non-Repayable Business Funding in Canada
Submitting weak technical plans
Geological rationale matters. Vague exploration plans reduce approval odds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are mining and mineral exploration grants in Canada only for junior companies?
Most early-stage programs target junior or non-producing companies, but some federal and infrastructure programs also support larger or later-stage projects.

Q: Do I need revenue to qualify for exploration funding?
No. Many programs are designed for pre-revenue exploration companies. Eligibility focuses on capitalization, project scope, and location.
See also: Can You Get Grant Funding Without Revenue?

Q: Is the Ontario Junior Exploration Program repayable?
No. OJEP funding is non-repayable, provided you meet all program conditions and reporting requirements.

Q: Can I stack exploration grants with other funding?
Sometimes. Cost-share limits apply, and total government assistance usually cannot exceed a set percentage. Always check stacking rules before applying.

Q: Are Indigenous partnerships required?
Not always. However, some programs offer additional funding or priority scoring for projects that support Indigenous employment or businesses.

Next Steps

Mining and mineral exploration grants in Canada are highly program-specific. Eligibility depends on your company structure, project stage, and province. Missing one requirement can mean waiting another year.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including junior mining and exploration funding. Using GrantHub to match programs to your business profile is the fastest way to focus on applications you can actually win.

Mining and Mineral Exploration Grants in Canada: Eligibility by Program