Ontario Junior Exploration Program

Q: How much funding can be received?

Ontario Junior Exploration Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $200000 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the Ontario Junior Exploration Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Ontario Junior Exploration Program is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Ontario Junior Exploration Program ?

Ontario Junior Exploration Program is funded by Government of Ontario

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Junior Exploration Program ?

You can contact Government of Ontario.

Q: Where is the Ontario Junior Exploration Program available?

The Ontario Junior Exploration Program program is available the province of ON.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Ontario Junior Exploration Program program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Ontario Junior Exploration Program program.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Ontario Junior Exploration Program program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Ontario Junior Exploration Program program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

ON, Canada

Funding for junior mining exploration in Ontario

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $200,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : May 8, 2024
Closing date : June 5, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

Overview

The Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) provides up to $200,000 per project to junior mining companies to support early exploration activities, particularly targeting new or existing mineral targets in Ontario. The program aims to boost mineral exploration, growth, and job creation, with a focus on northern and Indigenous communities, by financing projects that either explore critical minerals or other minerals not on Ontario's critical list.

Financing terms and conditions

Funding of up to $200,000 per project, covering 50% of eligible project costs.
Up to $10,000 per project available to cover 100% of eligible costs specifically for initiatives supporting Indigenous employment and business opportunities.

Activities funded

Early-stage mineral exploration projects aiming to identify new mineral targets in Ontario.
Projects focused on evaluating existing mineral exploration targets in areas not known to host economically viable mineral deposits.
Mineral exploration initiatives targeting critical minerals identified in Ontario’s critical minerals list.
Exploration projects supporting Indigenous employment and business opportunities in the mining sector.

Eligibility

The applicant must be a non-producing junior mining company with a market capitalization of up to $100 million (or a comparable value for private companies) as of May 8, 2024.
The company must be registered on the Ontario Business Registry.
The applicant must propose to undertake grassroots mineral exploration in Ontario, such as identifying new mineral exploration targets or evaluating existing targets in areas not known to host a mineral deposit with economic potential.
The applicant must be enrolled in the Mining Lands Administration System and hold the necessary mining lands tenure required for the project.
The applicant must have a valid exploration plan and/or permit issued under the Mining Act before work begins and maintain it throughout the project (where required).

Who is eligible?

Junior mining companies (non-producing)

Eligible expenses

The Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) provides funding for specific expenses related to early exploration projects by junior mining companies.

Indigenous employment and business opportunities related costs, up to $10,000.
General exploration project costs covering up to 50% of eligible expenses and up to $200,000 per project.

Eligible geographic areas

Ontario

How to apply

Application Preparation

Ensure your company meets all eligibility criteria, including market capitalization and registration requirements.
Prepare a detailed project proposal focused on grassroots mineral exploration in Ontario.
Gather all necessary supporting documents, including proof of funding for total project costs, a valid insurance certificate, and required mining permits.

Application Submission

Complete the application form available on the Ontario Business Registry website.
Attach all necessary documents and project proposals to your application.
Submit your application within the intake period, which runs from May 8, 2024, to June 5, 2024.

Confirmation and Record Keeping

Receive a confirmation of submission once your application is successfully uploaded.
Keep a record of your application submission confirmation for future reference.

Additional information

Applications are assessed and approved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Intake periods may have specific launch and close dates; for example, intake five runs from May 8, 2024, to June 5, 2024.
Applicants must read the OJEP program guidelines for complete process and details.
Recipients and funding allocations from previous intakes are publicly available.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Junior Exploration Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Ontario Junior Exploration Program . 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 Ontario Junior Exploration Program ?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Ontario Junior Exploration Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Ontario Junior Exploration Program ?

Who is eligible for the Ontario Junior Exploration Program program?

To be eligible for the Ontario Junior Exploration Program program, you must: The applicant must be a non-producing junior mining company with a market capitalization of up to $100 million as of May 8, 2024. The company must be registered on the Ontario Business Registry. The applicant must propose grassroots mineral exploration in Ontario and provide proof of funds to cover 100% of total project costs.