Saskatchewan Regulations 51/2025 introduce amendments to The Targeted Mineral Exploration Incentive Regulations under The Energy and Mines Act. These amendments modernize and expand the scope of the program to support mineral exploration in the province. The amended regulations begin with the addition of new definitions, including “borehole geophysical survey,” which refers to using down-hole tools to collect rock property data from existing boreholes to create two- or three-dimensional geological models, and “ground geophysical survey,” which refers to collecting rock property data at the Earth’s surface using arrays or loops. The definition of “drilling” has been updated to clarify that it means sinking a borehole for mineral exploration or delineation purposes.

Further amendments address Section 5, where subclause 5(3)(b)(i) is revised to substitute paragraphs detailing the required information about drilling methods and proposed expenditures for drilling, ground geophysical, or borehole geophysical surveys. Paragraphs (E), (F), and (G) in this clause are repealed, providing improved application requirements. Section 12 sees substantial changes with new requirements for verifying work submissions. These now must include receipts for eligible expenditures, comprehensive drill logs with detailed header information, photographic records of drill cores, and all relevant logging information. If applicable, evidence that ground or borehole geophysical surveys have been conducted within the eligibility period must also be provided. The amended regulations specify the need for evidence such as mineral disposition numbers, detailed drill logs, photos of drill cores with depth markings, and other data including down-hole imagery, mineralogical analysis, and radiometric logging. Additionally, geophysical contractor logistical reports, including survey details, equipment specs, quality control, data interpretations, and personnel records, must be submitted, along with geospatial datasets and mapping files verifying the work performed.

In Section 13, the amendment updates what constitutes eligible expenditures for financial assistance under section 12. These eligible expenditures now explicitly include the costs of surface drilling, ground geophysical surveys, and borehole geophysical surveys, with detailed examples such as casing, cementing, testing, reaming, wedging, orientation, and related drilling techniques. Labour costs are eligible, covering site preparation, grid establishment, geophysical data handling, supervision, and logistical reporting. Travel and transportation costs for personnel, equipment, and supplies, up to 40% of the approved application’s total cost, are also eligible. Costs related to equipment, consumables, rentals, fuel, and transportation equipment such as helicopters, snowmobiles, and utility terrain vehicles are included. Moves between survey or drill locations, as well as quality control and assurance activities for geophysical surveys, are similarly considered eligible.

These targeted changes are designed to encourage mineral exploration investment, foster economic development, and maintain a high standard of reporting and accountability within Saskatchewan’s mining sector.

Saskatchewan (51/2025) July 4, 2025
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and do not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.