The Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) has opened its seventh intake. The Ministry of Energy and Mines is investing $30 million over three years to support early mineral exploration, including a dedicated $12M Critical Minerals Stream and $1.5M Prospectors Stream.
Key dates
- Intake period: May 21-June 26, 2026 (deadline 4 p.m. EDT)
- Eligible activities can start on or after April 1, 2026
- Projects must be completed by February 28, 2027
- Applications assessed first-come, first-served… so apply early
Funding available
- Prospectors: up to $50,000 per project (up to $65,000 with Indigenous Participation funding)
- Junior mining companies: up to $200,000 per project (up to $215,000 with Indigenous Participation funding)
- Indigenous Participation adds up to $15,000, fully reimbursed on top of approved funding
Three streams
- Critical Minerals: critical mineral (see Ontario’s list) is the primary or secondary target
- Early Exploration: non-critical mineral targets
- Prospectors: grassroots work by a licensed Ontario prospector
Who can apply
Non-producing junior mining companies or prospectors with market cap up to $100M. Companies must be registered on the Ontario Business Registry and provide proof of funds for 100% of project costs, a valid Certificate of Insurance ($2M, cross-liability, contractual liability, 30-day cancellation notice), and hold mining lands tenure in good standing via MLAS. Prospectors are exempt from the business registry and proof-of-funds requirements, but must have held an Ontario prospecting licence for at least one year and hold ≥25% interest in the claim.
How to apply Applications go through Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON). First-time users need a “My Ontario” account.
The real deadline isn’t June 26. It’s whenever your “My Ontario” account is ready (setup takes up to five business days) plus the time to assemble two ministry-standard maps, your Certificate of Insurance, and your active plan/permit or submitted application. Start the paperwork now; submit the moment the window opens… start now!
Questions: OJEP@ontario.ca.
See PDF for more information and full 2026–2027 Ontario Junior Exploration Program Guide