Prospecting Assistance Grants

Q: How much funding can be received?

Prospecting Assistance Grants Funds up to 12000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Prospecting Assistance Grants a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Prospecting Assistance Grants is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Prospecting Assistance Grants?

Prospecting Assistance Grants is funded by Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Department of Industry, Energy and Technology (NL)

Q: Who is eligible for the Prospecting Assistance Grants program?

To be eligible for the Prospecting Assistance Grants program, you must: • The applicant must be at least 19 years of age. • The applicant must be involved in independent mineral exploration activities. • The applicant must be a resident eligible for support for projects on crown land or registered claims.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Prospecting Assistance Grants?

You can contact Government of Newfoundland and Labrador by email at mineralincentive@gov.nl.ca.

Q: Where is the Prospecting Assistance Grants available?

The Prospecting Assistance Grants program is available the province of NL.

Q: Are youth (under 40) eligible for the Prospecting Assistance Grants program?

Yes, youth under 40 are eligible to apply for the Prospecting Assistance Grants program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

NL, Canada

Money for independent mineral exploration in Newfoundland and Labrador

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $12,000

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

Grants of up to $12,000 for approved projects in mineral exploration.

Financing terms and conditions

Prospecting Assistance Grants offer structured financial support to individuals engaging in mineral exploration, with significant amounts disbursed upfront to aid project execution. The grants are associated with specific modalities to ensure effective utilization and accountability.

The grant provides up to $6,000 for traditional and grassroots prospecting activities.
An additional grant of up to $6,000 is available for air support required to access remote exploration sites.
A maximum total assistance of up to $12,000 is available for projects considered to be at an advanced stage.
60% of the grant amount is paid in advance, facilitating the commencement of exploration activities.
The remaining 40% is disbursed upon the satisfactory completion of the project and submission of an approved final report.
Annual updates on grant recipients and final payment amounts are provided to ensure transparency and accountability.

Activities funded

This grant provides financial support for independent mineral exploration activities aimed at discovering mineral deposits. Eligible projects focus on activities that are essential for prospecting and may include operational costs and logistical support.

Traditional and grass-roots prospecting activities.
Advanced-stage mineral exploration projects on crown land or proponent registered claims.
Geochemical, geophysical, and geo-technical support required for prospecting.
Utilization of air support, such as float planes or helicopters, for accessing remote areas.
Fieldwork guided by program managers and departmental support personnel.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 12,000

Helicopter-supported geophysical survey in the Marathon region for potential platinum deposits

$ 12,000

Geochemical surveys for nickel deposits in the Voisey's Bay area

$ 12,000

Field visits and traditional prospecting area for diamond exploration

$ 12,000

Traditional prospecting in remote areas around Sudbury for rare minerals

$ 12,000

Advanced stage exploration of gold deposits region

$ 12,000

Grass-roots prospecting for base metals area

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant is based on specific criteria relevant to the individual's profile and the nature of the prospecting activities.

The applicant must be an eligible resident of the Province.
The applicant must be at least 19 years of age.
The applicant must be involved in independent mineral exploration activities.

Who is eligible?

Individuals who are at least 19 years of age, residents of the province, and involved in independent mineral exploration activities are eligible to apply for the Prospector Assistance Grants.

Eligible expenses

Prospector Assistance Grants are designed to support mineral exploration activities, offering financial aid to enhance the discovery of mineral deposits. These grants specifically focus on supporting exploration and prospecting efforts in various terrains and stages.

Traditional and grass-roots mineral prospecting activities.
Geochemical and geophysical surveys essential for prospecting.
Advanced stage mineral exploration projects.
Air support for accessing remote prospecting properties.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specific to individuals conducting mineral exploration in a particular province. Eligibility is determined by the regional focus on mineral development.

Residents and projects registered within the province where the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology operates.

Selection criteria

Prospector Assistance Grants have specific evaluation and selection criteria to determine eligibility for funding. Applicants are evaluated based on their project's potential, feasibility, and alignment with program objectives.

Project potential for mineral discovery
Feasibility of the proposed exploration activities
Alignment with program objectives and provincial mineral development priorities
Demonstrated need for financial support
Applicant's experience and qualifications in mineral exploration

How to apply

Review Operational Guidelines

Download and thoroughly read the PA 2024 Operational Guidelines to understand the eligibility requirements and conditions of the grant.

Prepare Necessary Documents

Complete the PA 2024 Application Form.
Prepare a detailed Exploration Work Plan, using the Sample Exploration Work Plan as a reference.
Gather any additional forms required, such as the Specified Help Declaration Form and Supplier Setup & Maintenance Form if applicable.
Ensure ownership agreements or permissions are documented using forms like the Sample of Property Ownership Agreement if necessary.

Submit the Application

Send the completed application form, work plan, and any additional documentation via email to MineralIncentive@gov.nl.ca.
Ensure all documents are complete and accurately represent the project proposal.

Await Feedback

Wait for confirmation from the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology regarding the approval or request for additional information.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

60% of the grant is paid in advance, with the remaining amount paid upon satisfactory completion of the project and submission of an approved final report.
A listing of PA Grant recipients and final payment amounts is updated annually.
Final payment is contingent upon the submission of a satisfactory final report and adherence to the approved application.
The Department provides field visits and guidance from program managers and other departmental personnel as additional support to grant recipients.

Contacts

mineralincentive@gov.nl.ca

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Prospecting Assistance Grants Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Prospecting Assistance Grants. 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.