Closed
Ontario Junior Exploration Program
Funding for early mineral exploration in Ontario
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 200,000
Timeline
- Closing date : July 31, 2025
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $200,000 per project for early mineral exploration in Ontario, with an additional $15,000 for Indigenous participation activities. It supports grassroots exploration, critical minerals projects, and eligible prospectors' exploration work.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Conduct research and development activities
- Develop workforce skills
- Conduct research or evaluation activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 200,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : July 31, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Grassroots mineral exploration in Ontario
- Critical minerals exploration projects
- Exploration of non-critical mineral targets
- Licensed prospector exploration projects
- Indigenous participation activities linked to exploration projects
Documents Needed
- Proof of funds for 100% of total project costs
- Valid certificate of insurance
- Maps meeting ministry standards
- Activity Details Report, if a plan or permit activity is proposed
- Copy of an active plan, permit, or submitted application
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Junior mining companies
- Prospectors
Who is not eligible
- Producing mining companies
- Applicants listed under sanctions legislation
- Applicants associated with a junior mining company for claims receiving OJEP funding, under the prospectors stream
Eligible expenses
- Staff salaries and benefits, including temporary staff
- Contractor and consultant fees
- Equipment rental and supplies
- Transportation, meals, and accommodation related to the project
- Indigenous participation training, employment, and procurement costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs incurred before April 1, 2025 or after February 28, 2026
- Land, buildings, vehicles, equipment, and other capital costs
- Proposal and application development costs
- Taxes, legal and accounting fees, and basic utilities
- Lobbying, entertainment, gifts, and alcohol-related meals
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission for completeness and eligibility
- Complete applications are assessed on a first-come, first-served basis
- The ministry notifies the primary contact by email after evaluation
- Approved applicants must sign a funding agreement before any payment is made
- Recipients must submit interim and final reports during and after the project
Additional information
- Applications are assessed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Only one project can be submitted per intake period.
- Approved projects may be publicly announced.
- The ministry cannot provide legal or financial advice.
Contacts
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 ?
This program provides up to $200,000 per project for early mineral exploration in Ontario, with an additional $15,000 for Indigenous participation activities. It supports grassroots exploration, critical minerals projects, and eligible prospectors' exploration work.
How much funding can be received?
Ontario Junior Exploration Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $200,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Junior Exploration Program program?
To be eligible for the Ontario Junior Exploration Program program, you must:
Non-producing junior mining company or prospector
Registered in Ontario
Grassroots exploration in Ontario
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Junior Exploration Program ?
Grassroots mineral exploration in Ontario
Critical minerals exploration projects
Exploration of non-critical mineral targets
Licensed prospector exploration projects
Indigenous participation activities linked to exploration projects
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Junior Exploration Program ?
You can contact Government of Ontario (ON) by email at OJEP@ontario.ca or by phone at 1-855-216-3090.
Where is the Ontario Junior Exploration Program available?
The Ontario Junior Exploration Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Ontario Junior Exploration Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Ontario Junior Exploration Program is a Grant and Funding