Mineral Resources Development Fund: Shared-Funding Exploration Grants

Who can apply

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.

1. Applicants are permitted to apply for a grant on more than one exploration licence.
2. A grant may be applied to several exploration properties, provided all properties are under

licence to the applicant and that the work to be done on each property is described separately on the application form. Agreements with other licence holders need to be submitted with the application.

Eligibility

1. Applicants must be holders or in a registered agreement with the holder of valid licenses

under the Mineral Resources Act. Where the applicant is not the licensee, the applicant must demonstrate that a Summary of Agreement(s) has been registered with the Registry of Mineral and Petroleum Titles, which clearly indicates the applicant has a valid exploration agreement(s) with the respective license holder(s). Any agreement(s) in place must accompany the application.

1. Applicants for active license(s) held by a company (non-living individual) must be the

registered signing officer or registered agent that is recorded in the online registry system NovaROC. Registered agents may be required to be authorized in NovaROC for reporting of assessment work and filing of required permits (drilling notification, excavation registration, etc.). Companies must be registered to do business in Nova Scotia or be funding the work program on claims that have been optioned or joint-ventured. Where the applicant is not a registered agent (as defined above) but is a living individual who is signing on behalf of the licence holder(s), the applicant is required to submit written authorization(s) from the licence holder(s).

1. The applicant must have fulfilled all commitments for any previous grants from the MRDF or

the Nova Scotia Mineral Incentive Program. The applicant and/or the rights holder(s) is/are required to adhere to the Mineral Resources Act and Regulations, and all other applicable government acts and regulations. Failure to comply may render an applicant ineligible for future applications.

1. Companies applying shall be registered and in good standing with the Registry of Joint Stock

Companies, as per the Companies Act, to carry on business in Nova Scotia. Companies shall have an agent in the province if the company does not have a presence in the province upon which legal services can be made.

1. Geoscience is a regulated profession in Nova Scotia, and the Geoscience Profession Act

requires individuals and companies who offer, provide, or undertake geoscience in the province to be registered. Therefore, all Geoscientists and Companies that receive MRDF grants must be registered with the Geoscientists Nova Scotia

1. A signed and dated Application Form and Application Checklist MUST be included with the

application.

1. Applicants must list all the necessary permitting required in the application.
2. Applicants must provide copies of existing Crown land access permits. Copies of Crown

land access permits must be provided prior to the commencement of the approved work program and received by the department no later than the preliminary report deadline (by 4.00pm on Tuesday, July 21st, 2026).

1. Grantees are required to track expenses related to MRDF-funded components of their

exploration programs, and to submit expenses and required MRDF reports. Any changes to the proposed budget or work proposal must be submitted by e-mail to mrdf@novascotia.ca only, and the MRDF Administrator’s approval returned by e-mail.

Failure to do so will mean work related to those changes may not qualify for reimbursement. Grantees must work within all applicable federal and provincial acts and regulations.