Prospecting Assistance (PA) Grants

Who is eligible?

• Independent prospectors
• Individuals involved in mineral exploration activities

Who is not eligible

• Directors and/or principals of publicly listed exploration companies.
• Applicants seeking to conduct prospecting on third-party mineral licences or private property without permission from the property owner.
• Applicants seeking to conduct prospecting in Wilderness and Ecological Reserves, National/Provincial Parks, or areas designated as Exempt Mineral Lands.

Eligible expenses

• Geochemical analysis, including sample shipping and analysis costs.
• Meals allowance for field work (up to specified daily/per grant limits).
• Prospecting-specific supplies and equipment (e.g., gold pans, hammers, shovels, field stationary; limited one-time purchases of GPS and soil auger).
• Fuel costs for vehicles used in exploration activities (e.g., truck, ATV, snowmobile) within allowed limits.
• Rental of equipment such as ATVs, boats, and heavy equipment from independent providers (excluding standard vehicle rentals).
• Accommodation expenses for project areas located more than 150 km from home (subject to nightly and total maximums).
• Casual help for manual labour deemed essential, including daily allowance for labour and food (if approved).
• Travel, meals (with receipt), and accommodation expenses related to attending the Mineral Resources Review (MRR) Conference in St. John’s, NL (within specified limits).
• Professional geoscientist consultation fees (up to daily and total grant percentage limits) for mapping, interpretation, and related exploration report writing.
• Air support costs (e.g., helicopter, float plane, aviation fuel) for access to remote properties (up to 80% and specified maximums).
• One round-trip travel allowance between the island and Labrador portion of the Province for property access.

Eligible geographic areas

• Newfoundland and Labrador

• Assessment by a Selection Committee comprising three members of the Mining and Mineral Development Branch.
• Committee review of technical merit, location, size, and scope of the prospector’s work plan (notably for air support requests).
• Committee discretion to determine if the property or activities are considered “advanced.”
• Right of the committee to limit funding to specific properties and/or prospecting activities as deemed appropriate.

• Step 1: Review Operational Guidelines
  • Download and thoroughly read the PA 2024 Operational Guidelines to understand the eligibility requirements and conditions of the grant.
• Step 2: 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.
• Step 3: 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.
• Step 4: Await Feedback
  • Wait for confirmation from the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology regarding the approval or request for additional information.

• The names, electoral districts, and final grant payment amounts for successful applicants are published annually on the government website.
• Applications will be accepted starting April 1 each year, and final reports are generally due by December 31 of the same year.
• Extensions for report submission are only considered in cases of laboratory delays, and must be substantiated by documentation.
• Receipts and invoices for reimbursement must be unaltered, legible, and submitted in an organized format as outlined in the operational guidelines.