Ontario Junior Exploration Program
ON, Canada
Funding for junior mining exploration in Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMay 08, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateJune 05, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) provides funding support for early mineral exploration projects carried out by junior mining companies. These efforts are intended to promote mineral exploration, job growth, and development in northern and Indigenous communities.
- Projects focusing on primary mineral exploration targets that are recognized as critical minerals on Ontario's critical minerals list.
- Exploration activities targeting secondary minerals that are deemed critical, considered for funding after primary targets.
- General mineral exploration projects where the target mineral is not listed as critical in Ontario.
- Projects supporting Indigenous employment and fostering business opportunities within Indigenous communities.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the company's status and project details.
- The applicant must be a non-producing junior mining company with a market capitalization of up to $100 million or a comparable value if the company is private as of May 8, 2024.
- The company must be registered on the Ontario Business Registry.
- The application must propose undertaking grassroots mineral exploration in Ontario aimed at identifying new mineral exploration targets or evaluating existing targets in areas not known to host mineral deposits with economic potential.
- The applicant must provide proof of having funds to cover 100% of the total project costs.
- A copy of a valid certificate of insurance with general commercial liability coverage of at least $2 million per occurrence must be provided.
- The applicant must be enrolled in the Mining Lands Administration System and hold the necessary mining lands tenure required for the project.
- A valid exploration plan and/or permit issued under the Mining Act must be held before work begins and throughout the project duration, where required.
- Approval to apply for OJEP funding and conduct the proposed project must be obtained from the plan/permit and/or tenure holder.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) is aimed at junior mining companies. Eligible applicants must be non-producing junior mining companies with a market capitalization of up to $100 million, registered on the Ontario Business Registry, and engaged in grassroots mineral exploration in Ontario. These companies should not be targeting areas known to host mineral deposits with economic potential. They must also be capable of covering the total project costs, have commercial liability insurance of at least $2 million, and possess the necessary mining lands tenure and approvals under the Mining Act. They must support Indigenous employment and business opportunities to be considered for specific funding allocations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Based on the available information, there are no explicitly listed exclusions or restrictions for companies or industries that cannot apply for the Ontario Junior Exploration Program.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is focused on supporting exploration projects within Ontario, Canada. Eligible projects are those proposing grassroots mineral exploration in regions not known to host mineral deposits with economic potential.
- Non-producing junior mining companies exploring within Ontario.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: 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.
- Step 2: 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.
- Step 3: 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.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for the Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP):
- The funding under the critical minerals stream is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis for projects where a critical mineral is the primary exploration target.
- If funding under the critical minerals stream is exhausted, remaining eligible projects are automatically considered under the exploration stream.
- Applications are assessed and approved based on the order of submission, meaning early submission is crucial.
Apply to this program
Unlocking Early Exploration Opportunities with OJEP
The Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) offers vital funding to junior mining companies, enabling them to advance early exploration projects within Ontario. This initiative not only boosts mineral exploration and job creation but also fosters economic growth in northern and Indigenous communities.
Diving Deep into the Ontario Junior Exploration Program
The Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) is instrumental in supporting the pre-eminent phase of mining exploration in Ontario. This program specifically targets junior mining companies, providing them with necessary financial aid to pursue early exploration activities, which are crucial for discovering and evaluating potential mineral resources. With a focus on sparking mineral exploration, creating jobs, and nurturing economic expansion, particularly in northern and Indigenous communities, OJEP plays a pivotal role in the provincial mining sector.
The program is uniquely designed to benefit eligible junior mining companies by offering significant financial support for their exploration projects. It features two primary funding streams: The Critical Minerals Stream and the Exploration Stream. Projects focusing on critical minerals, identified within Ontario’s critical minerals list, are prioritized within the Critical Minerals Stream. This stream gives precedence to projects targeting critical minerals directly and subsequently considers secondary target projects, ensuring a systematic and targeted allocation of resources to the most promising ventures. Should funding in this stream be exhausted before all deserving projects are serviced, the exploration stream accommodates these remaining projects, supporting a diverse range of mineral exploration activities.
With up to $200,000 available per project, covering 50% of eligible costs, the program provides robust support to companies looking to expand their exploration efforts. Moreover, an additional funding of up to $10,000 is available per project specifically to foster Indigenous employment and business opportunities, reinforcing the program's commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
The program aligns with Ontario's strategic objectives by emphasizing the exploration of minerals not categorized as critical, offering an alternative avenue for projects that may not fit into the critical minerals scheme. This allows for a broad spectrum of exploratory pursuits, enhancing the province's overall mineral inventory and potential mining developments.
Participation in the OJEP is critical for junior mining companies, especially those with sizeable exploration plans but limited capital. The stringent eligibility criteria ensure that only capable and prepared entities qualify to receive support, thus maximizing the impact and effectiveness of the allocated funds. Companies are evaluated based on their market capitalization, registration status on the Ontario Business Registry, and possession of necessary mining rights and permits, among other criteria.
Furthermore, the impact of OJEP is evident in the roster of funded companies from previous intakes. Various companies, from 5007223 Ontario Inc. to VR Resources Ltd., have successfully received funding, reflecting the program's role in stimulating exploration undertakings across the region. These investments not only underscore the confidence the Ontario government has in these companies but also highlight the potential returns these exploration projects hold for the province's mining future.
Ultimately, the Ontario Junior Exploration Program is a well-targeted initiative, fostering substantial developments within the province's mining landscape. It provides necessary resources and support, enabling junior mining entities to play a vital role in regional economic development and innovation across the mining sector. By doing so, OJEP not only helps unlock mineral resources but also ensures that the benefits of exploration are widely shared among Ontarian communities, particularly in underserved areas.
