The Mineral Resources Development Fund supports prospectors, exploration companies, researchers, post-secondary students, and projects in the mining sector that attract investment, help grow Nova Scotia's economy and create jobs, especially in rural areas.

This program focuses on critical minerals. Critical minerals are vital inputs for the transition to a low-carbon economy. They are used in an array of clean technology applications such as electric vehicles, solar panels and wind turbines.

Nova Scotia is developing its critical minerals list and subsequent strategy to be released in 2022, Canada's Critical Minerals List (PDF), was used to prioritize funding for 2022 to 2023 (PDF).

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 a maximum of $5,000 are available to support post-secondary student employment (see application form for details).

Terms and Conditions (PDF)
Application Form and Application Checklist (DOC)
Application Form and Application Checklist (PDF)
Internal Evaluation Form (PDF)
Final Report Expense Form (Excel, required with Final Report)

Shared funding exploration grants: $40,000 to $100,000 (50/50)

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 are available to support post-secondary student employment (see application form for details).

Terms and Conditions (PDF)
Application Form and Application Checklist (DOC)
Application Form and Application Checklist (PDF)
Internal Evaluation Form (PDF)

Marketing grants

Marketing grants are available for promoting mineral properties at trade shows. Applications and proposals for marketing grants are accepted throughout the fiscal year starting 1 April each year.

Terms and Conditions (PDF)
Application Form (DOC)
Evaluation Form (PDF)

Post-secondary research grants: maximum $90,000

Metallurgy study research, market or commodity research and university- or college-based research on Nova Scotia mineral occurrences/deposits. These grants require a written proposal.

Terms and Conditions (PDF)
Internal Evaluation Form (PDF)

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.

Terms and Conditions (PDF)
Internal Evaluation Form (PDF)

Innovation grants: maximum $100,000

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

Terms and Conditions (PDF)
Internal Evaluation Form (PDF)

Advisory Council

The Mineral Resources Development Fund Advisory Council provides strategic advice, guidance and recommendations on the structure, effectiveness and administration of the fund. Membership and responsibilities are outlined in terms of reference (PDF). Most members are nominated by mining and prospecting industries and academia.

Contact

Mineral Resources Development Fund Administrator
mrdf@novascotia.ca