Mineral Exploration Support Program For Critical And Strategic Minerals

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Mineral Exploration Support Program For Critical And Strategic Minerals?

You can contact Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts (MRNF).

Q: Where is the Mineral Exploration Support Program For Critical And Strategic Minerals available?

The Mineral Exploration Support Program For Critical And Strategic Minerals program is available the province of QC.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Mineral Exploration Support Program For Critical And Strategic Minerals program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Mineral Exploration Support Program For Critical And Strategic Minerals program.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Mineral Exploration Support Program For Critical And Strategic Minerals program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Mineral Exploration Support Program For Critical And Strategic Minerals program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports mineral exploration for strategic minerals discovery

At a glance

Eligible Funding

From $40,000 to $400,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Receipt of requests is now closed

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

Overview

The Mineral Exploration Support Program for Critical and Strategic Minerals provides financial assistance up to $400,000 per project to advance mineral exploration activities from the discovery phase towards development. It focuses on geometallurgical and geoenvironmental work necessary for evaluating the quantity and quality of potential mineral deposits in Quebec.

Financing terms and conditions

The maximum financial aid provided by the MRNF is 50% of eligible expenses, capped at $400,000 per project.
The minimum financial aid is $50,000.
Participation in the program can occur multiple times, provided each application pertains to a distinct project.
Financial aid is disbursed in two or three installments, depending on the project's duration:
For projects up to 12 months or up to 18 months, aid is granted in two installments: up to 60% after signing the grant agreement, and up to 40% upon receipt and acceptance of the final report with supporting documents.
For projects longer than 18 months, aid is distributed in three installments: up to 60% after signing the grant agreement, up to 25% after receiving an interim report, and up to 15% upon receipt of the final report with supporting documents.
Eligible expenses must be necessary, justifiable, and directly attributable specifically to the realization of the eligible project and incurred after the application date.
Financial aid provided by MRNF can be combined with aid from other government bodies, both provincial and federal, municipal entities, but the total public aid must not exceed 50% of eligible expenses.
Each payment is contingent upon meeting eligibility criteria, providing satisfactory reporting, and having funds available from the designated financial resources under the applicable laws and regulations.

Activities funded

Execution of geomettallurgical and geoenvironmental work.
Conducting preliminary economic studies for mineral exploration projects.
Investments in oversized drilling and bulk sampling to advance exploration projects.
Evaluation of the quality of potential strategic and critical mineral ores.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 400,000

Developing a renewable energy storage system

$ 96,000

Enhancing a local art community hub

$ 160,000

Launching a mobile healthcare clinic

$ 120,000

Building a sustainable urban farm

$ 40,000

Creating a digital literacy program for seniors

$ 80,000

Launching an indigenous craft market

Eligibility

The applicant must be a mining exploration company registered in the Quebec business register without a mining lease and with a market capitalization not exceeding $100 million CAD, or the equivalent for a private company, at the time of application submission.
Eligible applicants include Indigenous mining exploration funds such as the Crees Council on Mineral Exploration (CCEM) and the Nunavik Mineral Exploration Fund (FEMN).

Who is eligible?

Mining exploration companies registered in Quebec's enterprise registry with a market capitalization not exceeding 100 million CAD or the equivalent for private entities.
Indigenous Mining Funds such as the Cree Mineral Exploration Board (CCEM) and the Nunavik Mineral Exploration Fund (FEMN).

Who is not eligible

A ministry or a budgetary public agency of the Government of Quebec listed in Schedule 1 of the Financial Administration Act (RLRQ, chapter A-6.001).
A company registered with the Register of Ineligible Enterprises for Public Contracts (RENA), including its subcontractors.
An entity that has failed to meet its obligations following a formal notice related to a previous financial aid from a Quebec government ministry or agency.
An entity that is insolvent, bankrupt, or has filed a company proposal, or benefits from a law concerning bankruptcy or insolvency.

Eligible expenses

Fees for external professional services.
Salaries and benefits for internal managers.
Purchases or rentals of materials, equipment, and supplies, including mobilization, demobilization, and installation.
Cost of analyses and tests.
Travel expenses, adhering to current governmental civil service rates in Quebec.
Expenses for acquiring or renting equipment, materials, or software, calculated based on the project's duration relative to the useful life of the asset.

Eligible geographic areas

Companies must conduct their projects in Quebec.

Selection criteria

Economic Development Aspect (20%):
Relevance of the proposal for advancing the project.
Financial contribution of the applicant to the project.
Technical Aspect of the Project (50%):
Potential of the project to conduct a preliminary economic study.
Potential of the project to achieve social acceptability.
Types of work planned.
Technical coherence of the proposal in the potential development of the project.
Valorization of secondary elements (by-products).
Corporate Aspect (30%):
Expertise of the applicant in the field of Critical and Strategic Minerals (CSM).
Expertise of the laboratory in the field of CSM.
General expertise of the applicant.
The minimum passing score for each project is set at 70%.

How to apply

Verify project eligibility criteria

Ensure the mineral exploration project is located in Quebec
Ensure the project is related to critical minerals as defined by the Quebec list
Make sure the project involves geometallurgical or geoenvironmental work

Submit the application

Complete and submit the official application form
Include all required documents
Ensure funding for at least 50% of the project is secured by your organization

Wait for evaluation results

Ensure receipt of acknowledgment from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests
Await evaluation results and potential inquiries

Additional information

The program's financial aid will not exceed 50% of eligible expenses and is capped at $400,000 per project.
Financial assistance installments are contingent upon the submission and acceptance of required documentation, including progress reports and financial statements.
Projects must be 50% co-funded by the applicant and/or external partners.
Strict reporting requirements apply, with interim and final reports required to document the use of funds and project progress.
The program ends on March 31, 2025, with project proposals due by January 31, 2025.
Renewal or continued support through the program requires each project to be distinct and unique in scope or location.
The aid provided is part of a broader financial framework supporting critical and strategic minerals outlined in the PQVMCS, with a total budget of $90 million.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Mineral Exploration Support Program For Critical And Strategic Minerals Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Mineral Exploration Support Program For Critical And Strategic Minerals. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Mineral Exploration Support Program For Critical And Strategic Minerals?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Mineral Exploration Support Program For Critical And Strategic Minerals a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Mineral Exploration Support Program For Critical And Strategic Minerals?

Who is eligible for the Mineral Exploration Support Program For Critical And Strategic Minerals program?

To be eligible for the Mineral Exploration Support Program For Critical And Strategic Minerals program, you must: Applicants must be registered mining exploration companies with a maximum market capitalization of $100M or equivalent for private entities. Eligible applicants include Indigenous Mining Funds such as the Cree Mineral Exploration Board (CCEM) and the Nunavik Mining Exploration Fund (FEMN).