The Mineral Resources Development Fund is designed to assist prospectors, exploration companies, and researchers, employ post-secondary students, and support projects in the mining sector that attract investment and grow Nova Scotia’s economy and create jobs, especially in rural areas. The MRDF is a grant program that supports prospecting, advanced exploration, minerals-related research and public education.

The MRDF has seven funding streams for the 2019-2020 fiscal year:

• Prospecting and Exploration Grants: Maximum $20K
• Shared Funding Exploration Grants: $20K up to $200K (50/50)
• Marketing Grants
• Post-Secondary Research Grants: Maximum $90K
• Education, Outreach, and Engagement Grants: Maximum $50K
• Innovation Grants: Maximum $200K
• Major Project Grants: Maximum $500K or higher if required