The Manitoba government is increasing support for mining companies and prospectors to stimulate mineral exploration, create more jobs and boost the economy.

The Mineral Exploration Assistance Program that delivers financial assistance for companies carrying out mineral exploration in the province will provide new funding of 3 million dollars in 2014-15, double the 2013-14 levels.  The program provides assistance in the form of a partial refund of approved exploration expenditures.

The Manitoba Prospectors Assistance Program that offers incentives annually to encourage mineral prospecting will provide new funding of 125 thousand dollars in 2014-15. This program provides grants to prospectors exploring their own properties or crown land.