Mineral Resources Development Fund

The Mineral Resources Development Fund (MRDF) supports the advancement of mineral resource projects that generate economic benefits for Nova Scotia. By helping move projects through key stages of exploration and development, the fund encourages investment, supports job creation and contributes to the growth and sustainability of the province's mineral sector. In addition, the MRDF helps build industry capacity by supporting education and mentorship, innovation projects, outreach activities and community-based initiatives.

Applications are now being accepted for all grants streams, except for research grants which are closed. Read the terms and conditions carefully for eligible activities under each stream.

Advanced project, prospecting, shared funding and innovation grants have an application deadline of Monday, 22 June 2026 at 4:00pm.

Recipients

Funding streams

Read the terms and conditions for each funding stream carefully before applying for a grant.

Advanced project grants

Advanced project grants are available for companies entering the advanced stage of completing a preliminary economic assessment, pre-feasibility study or feasibility study. This stream has a shared funding model between the grantee (1/2) and the Department of Natural Resources (1/2).

Preliminary economic assessment (1/2): up to $225,000 from each funding source (maximum government funding $225,000).

Pre-feasibility study (1/2): up to $525,000 from each funding source (maximum government funding $525,000).

Feasibility study (1/2): up to $525,000 from each funding source (maximum government funding $525,000).

These grants require a written proposal that will be evaluated on:

  • technical merit and methodology
  • project feasibility and advancement potential
  • economic and strategic benefits
  • environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations

Terms and Conditions (PDF)

Prospecting grants: up to $15,000

Prospecting grants provide up to $15,000 of support and are intended to help explorers carry out grass-roots exploration activities and find economical mineral resources in Nova Scotia.

Shared funding exploration grants

Tier 1: $15,000 to $40,000
A tier 1 shared-funding exploration grant provides between $15,000 and $40,000 to support mineral exploration programs in Nova Scotia. This new funding stream operates on a shared-funding model, requiring recipients to contribute 20% of total project costs.

Tier 2: $40,000 to $100,000
A shared-funding exploration grant is available to applicants who commit to investing more than $40,000 in a mineral exploration program in Nova Scotia. The grant will match or partially match the applicant's exploration investments and will provide awards between $40,000 and $100,000 for eligible expenses.

Marketing grants

Marketing grants are available for promoting mineral properties at trade shows.

Research grants: maximum $100,000

Research grants are available for studies that support and encourage mineral exploration, development, mineral processing and value-added end-use applications of minerals in Nova Scotia. Research can include but isn't limited to metallurgy studies, market or commodity studies, or research on subjects related to the mineral sector (like mineral exploration impact on species at risk, tailings management and any other studies that help inform and support the mineral sector). These grants require a written proposal. See terms and conditions for details.

Education, outreach and engagement grants: maximum $50,000

Projects intended to educate and build public confidence or awareness in the mineral industry, prospector support and training, capacity building, indigenous and student education and training. These grants require a written proposal. Proposals are accepted throughout the fiscal year starting 1 April each year.

Innovation grants: maximum $100,000

Innovation focused on new uses for minerals, mineral processes, data processing/GIS tools, exploration tools, mining methods and mine reclamation studies focused on mineral extraction and remediation. These grants require a written proposal.

Communities’ grants: maximum $25,000

Grants are available for projects intended to support communities as they interact with the mining industry. Activities should be intended to support the mineral resource industry in Nova Scotia. Applications and proposals for communities' grants are accepted throughout the fiscal year starting 1 April each year. These grants require a written proposal.

Student work report form

Grants that receive student funding must submit a completed student work report form with their final report.

Contact

Mineral Resources Development Fund Administrator
mrdf@novascotia.ca