The Ontario government is launching the fourth intake of the Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) to help junior mining companies finance early mineral exploration. OJEP encourages mineral exploration and supports the province’s economic growth and job creation, particularly in northern and Indigenous communities.

Ontario is investing an additional $26 million over two years in the program. This includes $8 million for a new critical minerals funding stream. Through OJEP, junior mining companies can apply for up to $200,000 in funding per project to cover 50 percent of eligible costs.

Applications will be accepted online through Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) during a three week intake period. Funding through the program will be provided to approved projects on a first-come, first-served basis.

To be eligible for funding, an applicant must:

• Be a non-producing, junior mining company registered to do business in Ontario with a market capitalisation of up to $100 million (or of a comparable value if a private company) as of the opening date of the intake period.

• Submit an application that meets the definition of grassroots exploration.

• Provide proof that the applicant has the funds to cover 100 percent of total project costs.

• Provide a copy of a valid certificate of insurance that includes general commercial liability covereage at a limit of not less than $2 million per occurance.

• Be enrolled in the Mining Lands Administration System (MLAS) and hold the necessary mining lands tenure to carry out the project.

• Have a valid exploration plan and/or permit issued under the Mining Act at the time of application and for the duration of the project (where required).

• Have the approval of the plan/permit and/or tenure holder to apply for OJEP funding and carry out the proposed project.

To submit a secure application, applicants will need a MyOntario Account. Those without an account may register for one on the TPON website.

For more information, contact OJEP@ontario.ca