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Mining Exploration Tax Credit (METC)
Government of British Columbia · A tax credit for eligible corporations and active partnership members conducting grassroots mineral exploration in British Columbia.
Overview
A tax credit for eligible corporations and active partnership members conducting grassroots mineral exploration in British Columbia. Corporations can claim 20% of qualified mining exploration expenses (30% in Mountain Pine Beetle affected areas), calculated after deducting any assistance received. The credit is fully refundable and must be claimed within 18 months of the tax year end.
Eligibility
Eligible corporations or active partnership members conducting grassroots mineral exploration in British ColumbiaMust incur qualified mining exploration expenses for determining existence, location, extent or quality of mineral resourcesExploration applies to base and precious metals, coal, and some industrial mineralsEligible projects
ProspectingGeological surveysDrilling, trenching, and test pit diggingPreliminary samplingEnvironment studies and community consultations to obtain necessary rights or licencesFinancing terms
Credit calculated as 20% of qualified mining exploration expenses (30% in Mountain Pine Beetle affected areas)Amount reduced by any assistance received (reimbursements, grants, subsidies, rebates, forgivable loans)Fully refundable tax credit applied against total income tax payableMust be claimed within 18 months of tax year end; no carry-back or carry-forward provisionsHow to apply
1Check eligibilityConfirm you meet every criterion listed above before you start.
2Prepare the project packageProject description, budget with quotes, team, and recent financial statements.
3Apply on canada.caGovgrant members can draft the application with AI and export a formatted PDF.
4Respond to reviewer questionsMost programs come back with one round of questions within a few weeks of submission.
Additional information
Oil and gas exploration expenses do not qualifyExpenses for determining economic viability or engineering feasibility excluded effective November 4, 2025Enhanced 30% rate available for exploration in prescribed Mountain Pine Beetle affected areasLimited partners are not eligible to claim the creditAt a glanceMaximumVariesProviderGovernment of British ColumbiaDeadlineRolling intakeStatusOpenRegionBritish ColumbiaOfficial sourcecanada.ca ↗
Members only
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