Ontario Junior Exploration Program
ON, Canada
Funding for early exploration projects in Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateSeptember 06, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateSeptember 27, 2023
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|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
If you are a junior mining company in Ontario, you could get a contribution to cover eligible costs for a project that helps boost mineral exploration, growth and job creation in the province, particularly in northern and Indigenous communities.
grant_single_labels|projects
Projects and activities eligible for the Ontario Junior Exploration Program grant include grassroots mineral exploration projects in Ontario. Eligible activities may focus on critical minerals or other mineral exploration targets.
- Grassroots mineral exploration projects
- Projects targeting critical minerals
- Exploration activities for minerals not on Ontario's critical minerals list
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$100,000
North Bay
Geological survey for copper resources in the region around North Bay
$120,000
Thunder Bay
Exploration for nickel and cobalt near Thunder Bay
$150,000
Timmins
Conduct geophysical surveys for rare earth minerals near Timmins
$80,000
Kirkland Lake
Analyzing gold deposits in the vicinity of Kirkland Lake
$60,000
Guelph
Survey for graphite mineral deposits around Guelph
$120,000
Sudbury
Exploration of lithium deposits in the outskirts of Sudbury
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility Criteria: Junior mining companies in Ontario may be eligible for the Ontario Junior Exploration Program if they meet the following requirements:
- Be a non-producing junior mining company with a market capitalization of up to $100 million (or a comparable value if private) as of February 16, 2023
- Be registered on the Ontario Business Registry
- Submit a proposal for grassroots mineral exploration in Ontario
- Provide proof of funds to cover 100% of project costs
- Hold relevant mining lands tenure and necessary permits
- Have approval to apply for funding and carry out the proposed project
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible junior mining companies can receive funding through the Ontario Junior Exploration Program if they meet specific requirements. To qualify, companies must be non-producing junior mining businesses with a market capitalization of up to $100 million and must fulfill other outlined criteria.
- Non-producing junior mining companies
- Market capitalization of up to $100 million
- Registered on the Ontario Business Registry
- Undertake grassroots mineral exploration in Ontario
- Have the necessary funds to cover project costs
- Hold valid insurance coverage
- Enrolled in the Mining Lands Administration System
- Have required exploration plan/permit and approval
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant:
- Producing mining companies
- Companies with a market capitalization exceeding $100 million
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for the Ontario Junior Exploration Program grant include costs related to grassroots mineral exploration projects in Ontario. Examples of eligible expenses are:
- Drilling and sampling activities
- Geophysical surveys
- Permit and licensing fees
- Transportation and accommodation for fieldwork
- Laboratory analysis
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for the Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) funding are as follows:
- Market capitalization of up to $100 million for non-producing junior mining companies
- Applicant's registration on the Ontario Business Registry
- Proposed grassroots mineral exploration project in Ontario
- Proof of funds to cover 100% of project costs
- Valid insurance certificate with commercial liability coverage
- Enrollment in the Mining Lands Administration System
- Holding necessary mining lands tenure
- Valid exploration plan/permit and approval from tenure holder
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Check eligibility
- Step 2: Prepare required documents
- Step 3: Submit application
- Step 4: Await assessment and approval
- Step 5: Receive funding if approved
Apply to this program
Ontario Junior Exploration Program
The Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) provides funding to junior mining companies for early exploration projects, supporting mineral exploration, growth, and job creation in Ontario, particularly in northern and Indigenous communities. Eligible companies can receive up to $200,000 per project to cover 50% of eligible costs and up to $10,000 for projects supporting Indigenous employment and business opportunities.
Exploring the Ontario Junior Exploration Program
The Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) is a government initiative that aims to assist non-producing junior mining companies in financing early exploration projects to boost mineral exploration activities in the province of Ontario. Through OJEP, eligible companies can secure funding of up to $200,000 per project to cover 50% of eligible costs, furthering the exploration of critical minerals and other mineral resources. The program encourages growth and job creation in the mining sector, with a focus on supporting projects in northern and Indigenous communities.
The OJEP is structured into two main program streams: the critical minerals stream and the exploration stream. Projects under the critical minerals stream target critical minerals identified in Ontario's list, focusing on primary or secondary exploration targets. Funding in this stream is allocated based on a first-come, first-served basis. If the funding is fully assigned, remaining primary or secondary target projects are automatically considered under the exploration stream.
The exploration stream caters to projects with exploration targets outside the critical minerals list and includes any projects not covered in the critical minerals stream. All projects under this stream are assessed on a first-come, first-served basis, providing opportunities for a diverse range of mineral exploration initiatives to receive support under the OJEP.
To qualify for OJEP funding, companies must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being non-producing junior mining companies with market capitalization under $100 million, registering on the Ontario Business Registry, and submitting plans for grassroots mineral exploration in Ontario. Applicants are required to demonstrate financial commitment, insurance coverage, and compliance with mining regulations and permits.
The application process for OJEP involves specific intake periods, with assessments and approvals conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. Successful funding recipients from previous intakes include a variety of junior mining companies that have utilized OJEP support to advance their exploration projects and contribute to the growth of the mining industry in Ontario.
Overall, the Ontario Junior Exploration Program provides a vital avenue for junior mining companies to access funding for early exploration projects, contributing to the development and expansion of mineral exploration activities in the province. By supporting projects in critical minerals and beyond, OJEP plays a key role in promoting sustainable growth, innovation, and job creation in the mining sector of Ontario.
