Ontario Junior Exploration Program
grant_single|update April 25, 2025
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|openingDate May 8, 2024
- grant_single|closingDate June 5, 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|closed
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|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.
grant_single_labels|projects
- 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.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
- 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).
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- Junior mining companies (non-producing)
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
- Ontario
grant_single_labels|apply
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.
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.
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
- 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
More grants like this
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|closed
Financial support for regional Indigenous projects in Ontario
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Funding for Northern Ontario community economic development
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Funding AI commercialization and adoption in Northern Ontario businesses
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|closed
Funding for export expertise, training and planning
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|closed
Funding for innovative critical minerals projects in Ontario
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Funding support for Ontario-based SMEs in tech and innovation sectors
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Export assistance for not-for-profit organizations in Northern Ontario
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|closed
Supports Ontario SMEs in adopting critical industrial technologies
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Funding for export-focused activities
Researchers And Facilitiesgrant_card_status|open
Steel wave flume in Ottawa