Overview
Provides funding to exploration companies who propose new exploration projects or are already carrying out NWT mineral exploration work. This application is open to exploration projects from any stage of development, from grassroots to advanced projects.
Available Funding
Eligible corporate applicants may apply for exploration grants of up to 60% of eligible expenses to a maximum of $240,000.
Eligible expenses refer to the part of a program for which the MIP money is designated, not the overall program budget. This means a program would need to demonstrate $400,000 worth of eligible expenses to qualify for a maximum grant of $240,000.
Deadline
The deadline to apply is April 30, 2025. (11:59 Mountain Daylight Time)
Eligibility
Companies with the legal right to conduct mineral exploration in the NWT may apply for exploration grants.
- Applicants must possess a registered Canadian bank account for the transfer of grant money.
- Applicants may only submit proposals for areas in which they have the legal right to conduct exploration (information on staking is available at the Mining Recorder’s Office).
- Applications must propose a well‐conceived and technically‐sound exploration program to be considered for MIP funding. Applications will be evaluated by the expert staff of the Northwest Territories Geological Survey (NTGS) and other divisions of the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI).
- Applications that maximize the use of NWT goods and services will be ranked higher than comparable applications that do not provide this benefit to the NWT.
- Eligible expenses must be incurred during the period April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
- It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the proper permitting is in place and that work programs comply with existing laws and regulations (information on the Mining Regulations is available at the Mining Recorder’s Office).
- No project may receive over $500,000 in MIP assistance over the lifespan of the project.
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their exploration activities with local communities.
- Applicants are expected to design their proposed programs in a manner that is consistent with the highest industry standards for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors.
- To remain eligible for MIP funding, applicants must be prepared at all times to demonstrate compliance with current orders and guidance from the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) of the NWT.
- Any project that fails to meet any MIP eligibility criteria will not be considered for MIP funding or may have allocated funding withdrawn.
Some resources for current best practices in ESG can be found on the
Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada website
How to apply
- Complete an application form and project proposal (see guidelines for a complete list of application requirements)
- Send the completed application form to NTGS@gov.nt.ca
Please note there is a new page limit for Corporate Applications. Applications must not exceed 15 pages. See the Guidelines and Application form for further details.