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Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund - Nova Scotia - Canada
Open
Closing Soon

Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund

Supports mineral projects and industry capacity
Last Update: June 13, 2026
Funding available
$ 100,000
Timeline
  • Closing date : June 22, 2026
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada

Overview

The Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund supports mineral resource projects that advance exploration, development, research, and industry capacity in Nova Scotia. It can fund exploration, studies, marketing, education, outreach, engagement, innovation, and community-related activities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 100,000 $
  • Up to 80% of project cost
Timeline
  • Closing date : June 22, 2026

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Location
  • Nova Scotia
Legal structures
  • All legal structures
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • All groups

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Mineral exploration and advanced exploration work
  • Research, studies, and innovation related to mineral resources
  • Marketing and promotion of mineral properties
  • Education, outreach, engagement, and community activities
  • Projects that support mineral sector development and public awareness

Documents Needed

  • Completed application form
  • Completed application checklist
  • Company registration certificate
  • Relevant agreements with other parties
  • Required summary page or proposal form for the stream

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Companies and mineral licence holders
  • Consultants, academics, and mining industry service companies
  • Prospectors and explorers
  • Geoscience and mining industry associations, societies, museums, and academia
  • Municipal governments, Mi’kmaq organizations, and community organizations

Who is not eligible

  • Public companies are not eligible for marketing grants
  • Applicants without the required mineral licence authority or agreement
  • Applicants not registered and in good standing where registration is required
  • Applicants who have not fulfilled previous MRDF or NSMIP commitments

Eligible expenses

  • Project-related technical, geoscience, engineering, and consulting work
  • Field work, surveys, sampling, drilling, trenching, and related mobilization where allowed
  • Wages for approved casual workers or students
  • Lab testing, analytical work, GIS, mapping, and digital data work
  • Marketing materials, event costs, and other approved project expenses by stream

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Public companies are not eligible for marketing grants.
  • Mechanical ground disturbance is not eligible under the Prospecting Grant.
  • Staff wages are generally not eligible except where specifically allowed.
  • Alcohol, capital purchases, and HST are not eligible in several streams.
  • Booth insurance, booth staff costs, and flight insurance are not allowable for marketing grants.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Nova Scotia

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed by the department for completeness and eligibility.
  • Proposals are evaluated against technical merit, clarity, relevance, and budget reasonableness.
  • Successful applicants receive a contribution agreement listing approved expenses.
  • Some streams require interim or preliminary reports before final approval or payment.
  • Final payment depends on approval of the final report and supporting documents.

Additional information

  • Applications are submitted by email to MRDF.
  • Some streams require a written proposal and supporting forms.
  • Approved projects may receive a contribution agreement before payment.
  • Final reporting and receipts are required for reimbursement.

Contacts

Frequently Asked Questions about the Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund Program

What is the Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund?

The Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund supports mineral resource projects that advance exploration, development, research, and industry capacity in Nova Scotia. It can fund exploration, studies, marketing, education, outreach, engagement, innovation, and community-related activities.

How much funding can be received?

Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund Funds up to 80% of admissible expenses, capped at $100,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund program?

To be eligible for the Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund program, you must: Valid mineral licence or agreement Registered and in good standing in Nova Scotia Past MRDF obligations completed

What expenses are eligible under Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund?

Mineral exploration and advanced exploration work Research, studies, and innovation related to mineral resources Marketing and promotion of mineral properties Education, outreach, engagement, and community activities Projects that support mineral sector development and public awareness

Who can I contact for more information about the Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund?

You can contact Government of Nova Scotia by email at mrdf@novascotia.ca or by phone at none.

Where is the Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund available?

The Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund program is available the province of Nova Scotia.

Is the Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund is a Researchers And Facilities