Closed
Source verified August 2, 2026
Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund
Advanced mineral development support in Nova Scotia
Latest source updateLast Update: August 1, 2026Latest change: The MRDF Education, Outreach and Engagement Grant now shows expanded eligibility, expense rules, application requirements, and a final report deadline of February 16, 2027.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 1, 2026
Latest change: The MRDF Education, Outreach and Engagement Grant now shows expanded eligibility, expense rules, application requirements, and a final report deadline of February 16, 2027.
MRDF education grant details updated
The Education, Outreach and Engagement Grant now shows a much fuller set of program instructions, including who may apply, which activities and expenses are eligible, and what must be included with a proposal. The application timeline now states that proposals are accepted throughout the year while funding remains available, and that deliverables must be submitted on or before February 16, 2027. The guidance also adds a final report deadline of February 16, 2027 and new submission instructions by email to mrdf@novascotia.ca.
Funding available
$ 15,000 - $ 525,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Who can apply
Applicants who hold valid Exploration Licenses under the Mineral Resources Act
See full eligibility
Overview
The 2026-27 Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund Advanced Project Grant supports companies and licence holders in Nova Scotia advancing toward commercial viability through Preliminary Economic Assessments, Pre-Feasibility Studies, or Feasibility Studies. It uses a shared funding model and can cover economic modelling, NI 43-101 technical reports, and metallurgical studies.
Find open grants for your business
Explore open funding programs that match your business and project.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 525,000 $
- Minimum amount : 15,000 $
- Up to 80% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
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
- Preliminary Economic Assessments (PEA)
- Pre-Feasibility Studies (PFS)
- Feasibility Studies (FS)
Documents Needed
- A detailed proposal
- A signed and dated Application Form and Application Checklist
- Agreements with other licence holders, where applicable
- Copies of existing Crown land access permits
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Applicants who hold valid Exploration Licenses under the Mineral Resources Act
- Applicants in a registered agreement with the holder of valid licenses under the Mineral Resources Act
- Companies applying that are registered and in good standing with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies, as per the Companies Act, to carry on business in Nova Scotia
- Living individuals who are signing on behalf of the licence holder(s), with written authorization from the licence holder(s)
Who is not eligible
- Applicants who have failed to produce the deliverables promised in previous grants issued under the MRDF or under the Nova Scotia Mineral Incentive Program (NSMIP) may be ineligible for funding
Eligible expenses
- Economic modelling and scoping studies; NI 43-101 compliant technical reports (PEA, PFS, FS)
- Metallurgical and mineral processing studies; geotechnical or hydrogeological programs; engineering design and cost estimation; tailings and waste rock management studies
- Infrastructure studies (power, water, roads, ports); environmental baseline studies and permitting work
- Community and/or Indigenous engagement activities; market and logistics studies (transport, product delivery)
- Consultant fees (must include CV and rationale); legal or permitting-related advisory services
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Expenses that are not pre-approved by the department will not be reimbursed
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
Selection criteria
- Completeness of the application and inclusion of all required documentation
- Access to the expertise required to complete the project
- Organization, supporting information, and clarity of the proposal
- Technical merit of the proposal and advancement potential of the project
- Quality of proposed engagement with stakeholders and Indigenous groups; alignment of the budget to reasonable industry standards; past performance of applicants with previous NSMIP or MRDF grants
How to apply
- Applications must be submitted using the application form provided to mrdf@novascotia.ca only by no later than 4:00 pm, Monday June 22nd, 2026.
- A signed and dated Application Form and Application Checklist MUST be included with the application.
- Applicants must list all the necessary permitting required in the application.
- Applicants must provide copies of existing Crown land access permits prior to the commencement of the approved work program and received by the department no later than the preliminary report deadline.
Processing and Agreement
- Successful applicants will receive a grant Contribution Agreement confirming that their project has been approved and listing the expenses that will be eligible under the MRDF
- Only approved expenses incurred starting April 1, 2026 will be eligible for reimbursement under the MRDF
- Upon completion of a project, unspent funds can be re-allocated at the discretion of the department, in consultation with the MRDF Review and Evaluation Committee
- Final payment will not be issued until the department has given approval that the final report and additional data are satisfactory
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 2026-27 Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund Advanced Project Grant supports companies and licence holders in Nova Scotia advancing toward commercial viability through Preliminary Economic Assessments, Pre-Feasibility Studies, or Feasibility Studies. It uses a shared funding model and can cover economic modelling, NI 43-101 technical reports, and metallurgical studies.
How much funding can be received?
Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund Funds up to 80% of admissible expenses, capped at $525,000 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:
Applicants must either hold valid Exploration Licenses under the Mineral Resources Act or be in a registered agreement with the license holder.
Companies applying shall be registered and in good standing with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies, as per the Companies Act, to carry on business in Nova Scotia.
The applicant must have fulfilled all commitments for any previous grants from the MRDF or the Nova Scotia Mineral Incentive Program.
What expenses are eligible under Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund?
Preliminary Economic Assessments (PEA)
Pre-Feasibility Studies (PFS)
Feasibility Studies (FS)
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.
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 Grant and Funding