Prospector Assistance Program

NBPAP is a financial assistance program offered by the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development (DNRED). The program is for prospectors searching for metallic or industrial minerals (except aggregates) in the Province, who can receive up to:

• a maximum of $5,000 if the prospector does not have mineral claims at the time of application;
• a maximum of $15,000 if the prospector has existing mineral claims at the time of application; and
• generally, first time applicants receive a maximum of $1,000.

To be eligible for the program, you must have:

• a valid New Brunswick prospector’s license; and
• fulfilled all commitments for any previous grants from the Division.

To apply for a NBPAP grant:

• Complete the application form, including your:

– contact information;
– prospecting experience;
– work location; and
– work proposal.

• 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

NBPAP Applications are:

• evaluated by a review committee, consisting of representatives from the GSB.
• The committee evaluates applications based upon:
  – the quality and merit of the proposal;
  – the potential of the work performed to enhance the level of interest in
  the property; and
  – the proponent's ability to complete the project.

When an application has been approved, the applicant will receive:

• a first installment cheque equal to 35% of the total grant;
• a second installment of 35% upon receipt of the following information:
  – a statement of eligible costs incurred and paid by the recipient (these costs must equal at least 35% of total project funding),
  – an interim progress report describing project activities;
• a final installment cheque of 30% upon submission of the following information:
  – A daily travel log (see attached form) and map(s) showing work area(s),
  – Sample location map (if claiming analyses) and analytical results,
  – Data from other surveys (e.g., geophysical),
  – A statement of eligible costs incurred and paid by the recipient (these costs must equal at least 100% of total project funding),
  – An assessment-quality report if the prospecting work is done on mineral claims.

Note 1: Acceptance of all documentation submitted is up to the discretion of the Review Committee. Proof of payment is required so please submit original receipts (or certified copies) and keep a copy of them for Income Tax purposes. If you have any questions about Income Tax, contact Revenue Canada at 1-800-959-8281; DNRED is not responsible.

Note 2: If a recipient files assessment work on the prospecting area within the time frame of the assistance program (i.e., before March 31), a travel log, receipts and a reference to the assessment report(s), with a note giving us permission to view it, is all that is necessary.
 

What is eligible?

Most prospecting costs are eligible including the following:

• Travel allowance of 40¢ per kilometre, cannot exceed 50% of approved expenditures (not grant total) up to a maximum of $3000.
• All analytical costs (including shipping) from accredited laboratories, if accompanied by receipts.
• Sample administration costs of $10 per sample (rock, silt, soil, vegetation, water) providing:
       – the samples are analyzed;
       – sample locations are reported, and
       – analytical results are submitted.
• Trenching costs on mineral claims but not drilling costs (unless approved by the coordinator).
• Professional services from accredited geophysical contractors (if approved by the coordinator).
• Claim staking costs of $10 per unit (maximum $300).
• Up to 10% of approved expenditures to a maximum of $300, for consumable items (maps, sample bags, flagging tape, markers, insect repellent, etc.); if in doubt, contact coordinator.
• Rental of sampling or geophysical surveying equipment (if approved by the coordinator).
• Up to 50% of the cost of a GPS, to a maximum of $250 (one time only).
• Please note that anyone who registers for the "Prospectors' Exchange" (Core Shack), and puts up a display may claim up to a maximum of $500 (receipts required). Meals and mileage expenses as per provincial government per diem.

Approved expenditures include: assaying, sampling, trenching, consumable items, claim staking, equipment rentals, professional geophysical services, Prospector Exchange expenses and any other related ground work. Related ground work shall be defined as anything that provides geological information about the area being explored, e.g. geophysics, etc.

To claim your travel expenses, please use the travel log form.

What is not eligible?

Some examples of ineligible expenses (if in doubt, contact the coordinator):

• Wages and capital expenses.
• Meal allowance as a prospecting cost.
• Report writing.
   
  

Report shall include the following:

• A statement of eligible costs incurred and paid by the recipient which equals or exceeds the total amount of the grant
• A travel log (attached)
• Map(s) clearly showing the claims, grids and/or sample locations
• Sample analyses
• GPS location of sample locations if possible
  

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