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Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP)

July 31, 2025

Value

Prospectors: up to $65,000 per project; Junior mining companies: up to $215,000 per project.

Description

The Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) is an initiative of the Ontario government that will help attract investment in early exploration, expand the pipeline of mineral development projects, including critical minerals, and lead to more mines and jobs in Ontario.

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

  • be a non-producing junior mining company or prospector with a market capitalization of up to $100 million (or a comparable value for private companies) as of the opening date of the intake period
  • be registered on the Ontario Business Registry
  • submit a proposal for grassroots mineral exploration in Ontario
  • show proof of funds to cover 100% of total project costs for applicants under the critical and exploration streams
  • provide a copy of a valid certificate of insurance with at least $2 million in general commercial liability coverage per occurrence
  • be enrolled in the Mining Lands Administration System (MLAS) and hold the necessary mining lands tenure required to carry out the project
  • have a valid exploration or recovery plan and/or permit issued under the Mining Act before work begins and for the duration of the project (where required)
  • have approval of the plan or permit and/or tenure holder to apply for OJEP funding and carry out the project

Eligible Expenses

Project costs eligible for funding through OJEP are set out below under the following categories:

  • Labour (salaries)
    • Salary and benefits for employees of the applicant, as well as hourly wages and benefits for temporary employees working on the project activities.
      • Note: Budget salaries and benefits are to be in proportion to the amount of time spent working directly on project activities.
    • Mandatory Employer Related Costs (MERCs). MERCs include employer’s contributions to Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.
  • Contractors and Consultants
    • Any fees a contractor, sub-contractor, or consultant will charge to assist in implementing the project activities.
  • Equipment Rental and Supplies
    • Equipment rentals or supplies required for implementing the project activities.
  • Transportation (mobilization and demobilization)
    • Costs to transport personnel, supplies, and machinery to and from the project site. Expenses will only be reimbursed in accordance with the Ontario Travel, Meal and Hospitality Expenses Directive, even if costs exceed what is set out in the directive.
  • Meals and Accommodation
    • Meals and accommodation costs that are explicitly project-related and represent the most economical option. Expenses will only be reimbursed in accordance with the Ontario Travel, Meal and Hospitality Expenses Directive, even if costs exceed what is set out in the directive.

Indigenous Participation Eligible Expenses include:

  • Salary and benefits for Indigenous employees of the company, as well as hourly wages and benefits for temporary Indigenous employees working on the project activities.
    • Note: Budget salaries and benefits are to be in proportion to the amount of time spent working directly on project activities.
  • Mandatory Employer Related Costs (MERCs). MERCs include an employer’s contributions to Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.
  • Skills training for Indigenous employees.
  • Costs to procure from Indigenous suppliers, services related to exploration, supplies, accommodation and machinery rental, as well as transportation of personnel, supplies and machinery to fulfill activities under an approved OJEP project.

Deadline Date

July 31, 2025

Contact

Contact Name: Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP)

E-mail Address: OJEP@ontario.ca

Website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/available-funding-opportunities-ontario-government#section-12

Industry:

Employment, Energy & Environment, Indigenous

Location:

Ontario

Tags:

Mining

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