The government of Nova Scotia is offering grants to mining companies in an effort to stimulate exploration in the province.

Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker says $700,000 has been set aside this year for companies to fund exploration and training.

Parker says the grants will make Nova Scotia more competitive with other provinces when trying to attract mining investment.

Grants of up to $100,000 will be available for advanced exploration projects, while grants of up to $15,000 would go to preliminary mineral exploration projects.