$10 million investment to help junior exploration companies unlock new mining development
The Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) is a provincial initiative designed to reduce the financial risk for junior mining companies and prospectors during early-stage exploration.
Below are the funding details based on the May 2026 update:
Funding Coverage
The program covers up to 50% of eligible costs for exploration and development projects.
Available Funding Caps
Funding limits vary based on the applicant type and include specific support for Indigenous participation:
- Junior Mining Companies: Eligible for up to $215,000 per project.
- Licensed Ontario Prospectors: Eligible for up to $65,000 per project.
Eligibility and Application
- First-Come, First-Served: Funding is provided to approved projects in the order applications are received.
- Application Window: The next intake begins May 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. EST and closes on June 26, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. EST.
- Submission Portal: Applications must be submitted online through Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON).
Program Expansion
Starting in 2027, the government will launch a dedicated Advanced Exploration Stream to further accelerate projects that are moving closer to the production phase.
Note: To date, the program has committed nearly $45 million to 280 companies, with a heavy focus on companies exploring for critical minerals (e.g., nickel, copper, zinc) required for battery and defense technologies.