Nova Scotia Mineral Incentive Program: Research Grant

Mineral Incentive Program Research Grants are available to help fund research that supports and encourages mineral exploration and development in Nova Scotia. The research must be undertaken in Nova Scotia by a university-based researcher(s). The scope of research that will be considered for funding ranges from local to regional scale deposit modelling, to the development or improvement of mining or mineral processing methods.

Research Grant applications will be accepted throughout the year, and evaluated based on budget, achievability and applicability to the exploration industry. The maximum grant available for the 2016-2017 fiscal year is $15,000. The initial announcement of the successful proposals will occur in June, however additional projects may be approved after this date should funding become available.

Proposals should be limited to one page and summarize the relevance of the research to supporting mineral exploration and development in the province. Important factors to consider include:

  • budget
  • project duration
  • deliverables
  • principal researcher(s) and contact information, and
  • applicability to mineral exploration and development in Nova Scotia

Expected deliverables will depend on the scope and nature of the research, but would include one or more of the following:

  • contribution to Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (NSNR&R) Geoscience and Mines Branch Report of Activities,
  • presentation of results at relevant conferences (e.g. AGS), workshops, etc.,
  • NSNR&R open file report or contribution series paper, or
  • thesis.

To date, the review committee has approved grants for the following research projects:

  1. The Origin and Evolution of Rare Earth Element-Enriched Peralkaline Rocks in the Cobequid Highlands, Nova Scotia – Dr. Alan Anderson, St. Francis Xavier University, ($15,000)
  2. The Geological Setting of Au-Cu-Fe-Ni Occurrences in the Second Gold Brook Area, Western Cape Breton – Dr. Sandra Barr, Acadia University, ($4800)
  3. The Lithogeochemistry of the Dominique Sn-Zn-Cu-Pb-Ag Vein Prospect, Yarmouth County – Dr. Cliff Stanley, Acadia University, ($15,000)

Applications can be sent to Diane Webber (Diane.Webber@novascotia.ca; 902-424-3053). Diane is also available to answer questions you may have about the application process. Please include contact information (phone and email) with your application.