The Ontario government is launching the second intake of the Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) to help junior mining companies finance early mineral exploration. OJEP boosts mineral exploration and supports the province’s economic recovery, growth, and job creation, particularly in northern and Indigenous communities. The first intake of the program was extremely successful, proving that Ontario has a robust and exciting junior exploration sector with tons of potential.
The Ontario government is investing $5 million over two years in the program. Through OJEP, junior mining companies can apply for up to $200,000 in funding per project to cover 50 per cent of eligible costs.
Applications will be accepted online through the Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) website during a five-week intake period, beginning on January 10, 2022. Funding through the program will be provided to approved projects on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eligibility
To be eligible for funding, applicants must meet all the following requirements:
• Be a non-producing junior mining company registered to do business in Ontario
• Have a market capitalization of up to $100 million (or a comparable value, if a private company)
• Provide proof that the organization applying has the funds to cover 100 per cent of project costs on the day the application is submitted
• Ability to provide a copy of a valid certificate of insurance for general commercial liability at a limit of not less than $2 million per occurrence
• Be enrolled in the Mining Lands Administration System (MLAS) and able to hold mining claims in Ontario
• Have an exploration plan or valid permit at the time of application and for the duration of the project (where required)
• Have the approval of the tenure holder to conduct the proposed project in the event of an option agreement or co-tenure holder relationship
• Submit an application that meets the definition of grassroots exploration.
To submit a secure application, applicants will need a ONe-key ID. Those without ONe-key IDs may register for one on the TPON website.
Applicants are encouraged to start preparing the necessary documents in advance, and ensure they have a ONe-key ID when applications open.
For more information, contact OJEP@ontario.ca.
