The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is updating the Mining Incentive Program (MIP) to better support mineral exploration across the territory. Announced at PDAC 2026, the $500,000 lifetime funding cap for corporate projects will be conditionally removed, while maintaining annual funding limits and the program’s competitive, merit-based structure.

The change responds directly to feedback from exploration companies and reflects current conditions in the mineral exploration sector, where rising costs and longer project timelines are making it increasingly difficult to advance multi-year programs. The update is intended to provide greater stability and flexibility for high-potential projects, including those focused on critical minerals, at a pivotal time for the Northwest Territories’ non-renewable resource sector.

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Quote: Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment

“The Mining Incentive Program plays an important role in supporting the next generation of exploration and mining projects in the Northwest Territories. These updates provide greater stability and flexibility for companies advancing high-potential projects, including critical minerals, at a time when the sector is under real pressure.

This is about making sure strong projects do not stall because of structural limits in our programs. The Northwest Territories has vast mineral potential, and our government is focused on doing what we can, within our authorities, to keep momentum going, strengthen our resource economy, and create new opportunities for Northerners.”

Quick facts

• The Mining Incentive Program provides up to $240,000 per year for corporate exploration projects, covering up to 60 percent of eligible costs.
• Several advanced NWT exploration projects have reached or are nearing the previous $500,000 lifetime funding cap, creating challenges for multi-year exploration work.
• The Mining Incentive Program has an annual budget of $1,500,000.