Government of New Brunswick

What is NBJMAP?

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.

What companies are eligible?

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.

What work is eligible?

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.

 

What expenses are not eligible?

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.

 

What are the funding limits?

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.

 

How to apply?

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

 

How are applications evaluated?

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.

 

What happens after approval?

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.

 

Reporting requirements

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.