Junior Mining Assistance Program

The New Brunswick Junior Mining Assistance Program (NBJMAP):

• Is a financial assistance program for private-sector Junior companies.
• Provides up to 50% of eligible costs, within defined limits ($20,000-$100,000), for mineral exploration projects.
• Is intended to increase the probability of finding economically viable mineral resources in New Brunswick.
  
  

Any private or publicly traded mineral exploration company is eligible for the program, providing:

• it holds the mineral rights, or an option agreement, to the property considered in the application;
• it does not have a self-sustained cash flow from operations;
• it is not a subsidiary of a major mining company;
• it has fulfilled all commitments for any previous grants from the DNRED; and
• its principal business is mineral exploration and development.
  
  

Eligible work may include, but not restricted to:

• core drilling or other drilling for exploration purposes;
• trenching;
• geological, geochemical and geophysical surveys;
• bulk sampling and metallurical testing; 
• analytical costs; and
• Hiring a geological consultant to work on the project provided there are no staff geologists, or there is a subject expert needed on the proposed project. Does not include consultant expenses such as lodging, meals, travel, etc.

Ineligible expenses include, but are not limited to, in-house expences such as:

• transportation costs;
• accommodations and meals;
• office expenses;
• vehicle rental(s);
• field camp rental;
• wages(s) of company personnel; and
• project planning.

The NBJMAP funding limits per project are as follows:

• Up to 50% of project costs to a maximum of $100,000.
• The other 50% of project costs will be borne by the applicant.

To apply for funding under the NBJMAP program:

• Complete the application form, which must include the following:
  – The history of land tenure and mineral exploration on the mineral prospect.
  – A detailed description of planned exploration work.
  – Geological map.
  – Geological model.
  – Maps showing the location of proposed work.
  – Details of proposed expenditures.

• Submit the completed application form (digital format preferred) to:
  Exploration Assistance Program Coordinator
  Geological Surveys Branch, DNRED
  2574 Route 180
  South Tetagouche, NB
  E2A 7B8
  Telephone: 506-547-2070
  Email: nicole.hatheway@gnb.ca

Applications are:

• Evaluated by a review committee, consisting of representatives from the GSB,

• The committee evaluates applications based upon:

– the geological potential of the area;
– the quality and merit of the proposal; and
– the proponent's ability to complete the project.

When an application has been approved, the applicant will:

• Enter into a contract with the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development, and
• This contract will govern such items as:

– eligible costs;
– timing of payments; and
– authorized changes to an original work proposal.

A final report is required, which must be:

• similar to Report of Work for a mineral claim; and
• accompanied by receipts for eligible expenditures.
• Digital Format preferred.

Please note that the final report will be held confidential for a 2 year period.