Mineral Resources Development Fund

The Mineral Resources Development Fund (MRDF) supports prospectors, exploration companies, researchers and projects in the mining sector that attract investment, help grow Nova Scotia's economy and create jobs, especially in rural areas. The program also supports students to help build capacity in the mineral industry through education and mentorship.

Communities’, Marketing, and Education, Outreach and Engagement streams are open year-round, from 1 April 2025 to March 2026.

Recipients

Funding streams

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

Prospecting grants: up to $40,000

Prospecting grants provide up to $40,000 of support and are intended to help explorers carry out grass-roots exploration activities and find economical mineral resources in Nova Scotia. Additional funds up to $2,500 are available for P.Geo. assistance with work conducted (see Terms and Conditions for details).

Shared funding exploration grants: $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. Additional funds up to $2,500 are available for P.Geo. assistance with work conducted (see Terms and Conditions for details)

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 marketing 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