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

This year’s fund also seeks proposals for research studies on subjects related to the mineral sector (like mineral exploration impact on species at risk, tailings reprocessing or other studies that help inform and support the mineral sector).

Applicants are encouraged to consider critical minerals as a focus for their projects where possible.

Learn more: Nova Scotia Critical Minerals List (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 $7,000 are available to support student employment and $2,500 for professional geoscientist (P.Geo) assistance with work conducted.

Terms and Conditions (PDF)
Application Form and Application Checklist (Word)
Application Form and Application Checklist (PDF)
Internal Evaluation Form (PDF)
Final Report Expense Form (Excel)

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 up to a maximum of $7,000 are available to support student employment and $2,500 for professional geoscientist (P.Geo) assistance with work conducted.

Terms and Conditions (PDF)
Application Form and Application Checklist (Word)
Application Form and Application Checklist (PDF)
Internal Evaluation Form (PDF)
Final Report Expense Form (Excel)

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 (Word)
Evaluation Form (PDF)

Research grants: maximum $90,000

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.

Terms and Conditions (PDF)
Research Grant Summary Page (Word)
Internal Evaluation Form (PDF)
Final Report Expense Form (Excel)

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)
Education, Outreach and Engagement Grant Summary Page (Word)
Internal Evaluation Form (PDF)
Final Report Expense Form (Excel)

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)
Innovation Grant Summary Page (Word)
Internal Evaluation Form (PDF)
Final Report Expense Form (Excel)

Student Work Report Form

Grants that receive student funding must submit a completed Student Work Report Form with their Final Report.

Student Work Report Form (Word)

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.

Recipients

Mineral Resources Development Fund Grant Recipients - 2022-23 (PDF)

Contact

Mineral Resources Development Fund Administrator
mrdf@novascotia.ca