Prospector Assistance Program

What is NBPAP?

NBPAP is a financial assistance program offered by Minerals, Policy and Planning Division (MPPD) of the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources (NBDNR). 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.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for the program, you must have:

• A valid New Brunswick prospector’s license.
• Fulfilled all commitments for any previous grants from the Division.

You must not have:

• A concurrent grant under the New Brunswick Junior Mining Assistance Program.

How to apply?

To apply for a NBPAP grant:

• Complete the application form, including your:
  • Contact information
  • Prospecting experience
  • Work location
  • Work proposal
• Submit the completed application form to:

Maurice Mazerolle
Exploration Assistance Program Coordinator
Geological Surveys Branch, NBDNR
207 Picadilly Road
P.O. Box 5040,
Sussex, N.B., E4E 5L2
Tel: (506) 432-2010; Fax: (506)-432-2060

How are application evaluated?

NBPAP Applications are:

• Evaluated by a review committee, consisting of representatives from the GSB and industry,
• 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.
• The committee receives and evaluates applications until the year's budget has been allocated.

How do I receive my money?

Once 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; NBDNR 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, 2012), 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.

Claiming Expenses

What is eligible?

MMost prospecting costs are eligible including the following:

• Travel allowance of 40 ¢ per kilometre, cannot exceed 50% of approved expenditures up to a maximum of $3000.
• Up to 50% of the cost of a GPS, to a maximum of $200 (one time only).
• Up to 10% of approved expenditures to a maximum of $500, for consumable items (maps, sample bags, pack sacks, hand-sampling tools, flagging tape, markers, insect repellent, etc.); if in doubt, contact coordinator.
• Up to 10% of approved expenditures to a maximum of $500 can be used for report-writing expenses.
• Claim staking costs of $10 per unit.
• Sample collection costs of $20 per sample (rock, silt, soil, vegetation, water) providing:
  • the samples are analyzed;
  • sample locations are reported, and
  • analytical results are submitted.
• All analytical costs (including shipping) from accredited laboratories, if accompanied by receipts.
• Trenching costs on mineral claims but not drilling costs (unless approved by coordinator).
• Rental of sampling or geophysical surveying equipment (if approved by coordinator).
• Professional services from accredited geophysical contractors (if approved by coordinator).
• Please note that anyone who registers for the "Prospectors' Exchange" (Core Shack), and puts up a display may claim up to 10% of approved expenditures to a maximum of $500 (receipts required).

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 are not eligible

Reporting Requirements

Prospecting Report

A prospecting 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

Assessment Report

An assessment report can be submitted in lieu of a prospecting report providing that it is:

• Acceptable to the Mining Recorder (compliant with Regulation),
• Accompanied by receipts for eligible expenditures, and
• Accompanied by a note giving permission to view the report.

Please note that the final report must be submitted to the Program Coordinator.