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Ontario Junior Exploration Program
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Ontario, Canada
Funding for junior mining exploration in Ontario
Grant and Funding
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Research and experimental development
- Conduct research
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 200,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : May 8, 2024
- Closing date : June 5, 2024
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
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
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.
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.
