Nunavut Exploration Support Program – Discover, Invest, Grow (DIG) Program
Qualified Exploration companies may apply for contribution per year to offset eligible costs associated with conducting mineral exploration activities in Nunavut.
Offered by Department of Community Services
Amount
Up to 25% of eligible expenses, up to an annual maximum of $250,000 per project application; lifetime maximum funding of $500,000 per project
Quick eligibility check
Who can apply
Eligibility for these contributions is limited to Exploration Companies that:
- Submit an application for areas in which they have the right to conduct exploration
work, have the necessary permits and comply with existing laws and regulations;
- Possess a registered Canadian bank account for the transfer of contribution funds;
and
- Maximize the use of Nunavut goods and services, including direct employment (these
applications will be ranked higher than comparable applications that do not);
- Have Nunavut-based projects that meet or surpass the following thresholds:
- A drilling program of at least 500 metres (cuttings) from reverse circulation
(RC) or rotary air blast (RAB) drilling or;
- A diamond drill program of at least 2,000 meters (drill core) or;
- Bulk sampling of at least 1,000 tonnes.
About the funding
Contributions are made for one (1) year per application.
The Department will contribute up to 25% of eligible expenses, up to an annual maximum of $250,000 per project application. The lifetime maximum funding is $500,000 per project. Where funding is awarded, 50% of the funding will be provided in advance of the proposed activities; the remaining 50% of funding will be withheld until the Final Report and expenses have been approved and verified by the Department.
Payment The Department will provide two equal payments in installments, as per the terms of the Contribution Agreement. Funds will be provided as contributions. Grants will not be issued under this policy.
The remainder of the contribution will be provided upon the completion, submission, and approval of the final report.
Show all funding details
The following expenses directly related to the advanced exploration work are eligible for
contribution assistance:
- Direct costs associated with exploration drilling focussed on testing new targets,
expanding known prospects and drilling activities contributing to resource conversion, including: i Drilling services contracts; ii Drilling equipment rental when drilling is performed on the property during the fiscal year of the Contribution Agreement; iii Labour costs directly attributed to drilling, logging of core, sampling, and shipping of samples; and iv Laboratory assay costs;
(b) Costs associated with bulk sampling, including: i materials and supplies; ii shipping of excavation equipment; iii labour only directly related to the collection of material comprising the bulk sample; iv shipping and transportation of the bulk sample; and v processing and laboratory costs of the bulk sample, such as microdiamond analysis.
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