Junior Explorers Challenge

Junior Explorers Challenge

Junior Explorers Challenge

Join the Junior Explorers Challenge. Learn about Canada’s rich mining history, Discover & Win!

Join The Great Canadian Treasure Hunt and take part in the Junior Explorers Challenge for Canadian youths aged 9–17. This is a fun way to learn about mining, science, and Canada’s natural treasures. Complete monthly challenges to show what you’ve learned and win awesome prizes!

This month’s deadline is February 28, 2026

Start the Challenge
Monthly Prizes
Start the Challenge
Monthly Prizes

Contest rules & regulations >

How to enter the monthly challenge

Each month brings a new challenge and a new chance to learn about Canada’s mining story — plus a shot at great prizes!

Start the Challenge

Contest available to for Canadian youths aged 9–17 only | Contest rules & regulations >

Contest available to for Canadian youths aged 9–17 only

Contest rules & regulations >

View the prize catalogue

Prizes may not be exactly as shown.

Win Great Prizes Every Month!

New prizes every month. The more challenges you complete, the more chances you have to win!

Start the Challenge
View the prize catalogue

Mining fun fact!

Your favourite gadgets like laptops, drones, and gaming consoles all rely on mining. Copper, nickel, gold, and zinc are some of the minerals that make modern technology possible.

Monthly Challenge

Dawson City: A town built on gold

Over 100 years ago, Dawson City was the heart of Canada’s famous Klondike Gold Rush. Thousands of dreamers arrived hoping to strike it rich — transforming a quiet town into a booming hub of gold fever.

Follow the steps below to complete this month’s challenge!

Step 1

Watch this video to learn more about Dawson City

Watch the video

Step 2

Read the story about Dawson City: A town built on gold

Read the story

Step 3

  1. Design your poster of Dawson City on 8.5” x 11” paper or digitally using this poster template
  2. Include at least 2 things from the story in Step 2
  3. Add a catchy slogan to grab attention
  4. When the poster is finished, upload a scanned copy, photo or digital file via the link below
Submit your poster

Tips for your poster

Make it pop!

Use bold colours and big titles to grab attention.

Show the adventure!

Use words and images that capture the excitement of the Gold Rush.

Keep it real!

Add true details from Dawson City to make it feel authentic.

About the Junior Explorers Challenge

The Junior Explorers Challenge invites youth ages 9–17 to take part in a monthly contest that connects them to the world of mining. Inspired by the Great Canadian Treasure Hunt, this youth-focused program engages participants with fun activities that explore Canada’s mining history and reveal how minerals shape our lives. From powering your phone to fueling future careers, mining makes it possible. Each month, an amazing electronic prize is up for grabs.

Resources

Your adventure doesn’t end here! Explore past challenges and learning resources for even more ways to create, discover, and have fun. Ready to take your curiosity further? Find out where you can study mining in Canada, explore career possibilities and start your journey into the exciting world of minerals.

Where to study mining in Canada

Explore mining certificates, diplomas, degrees, bursaries and scholarships across Canada, built for today’s industry and the roles shaping its future.

View resource

Mining Matters Activities

Jump into Mining Matters Activities for hands-on experiments, engineering challenges, and more!

View resource

Mining Needs You

Visit Mining Needs You to explore careers, opportunities, and stories from the world of mining!

View resource

Mining Makes It Happen poster series

Check out the Mining Makes It Happen poster series to see how rocks, metals, and minerals power our daily lives — from snowmobiles and skating to music, medicine, and Canada’s critical minerals!

View resource

Mine Evolution Game

Play Mine Evolution to explore mining, solve challenges, and create a greener future for Canada!

View resource

Mining Matters Activity Book

Explore the Mining Matters Activity Book and solve puzzles, crosswords, and games that teach you about minerals and mining careers!

View resource

Have questions about the Junior Explorers Challenge?

We’re here to help! Whether you’re unsure about a monthly prompt, need clarification on submission guidelines, or just want to learn more about the program, our team is happy to support you.

Email us at: juniorexplorers@miningmatters.ca

Our Sponsors

Junior Explorers Challenge

New prizes every month. The more challenges you complete, the more chances you have to win!

Each month, the Junior Explorers Challenge winner will get to choose an exciting electronics prize from our catalogue—proof that mining powers the tools, games, and devices we use every day.

Prizes may not be exactly as shown.

For Tech Lovers

  • MacBook Air (M2)
  • Premium Smartphone
  • Gaming Laptop

For Gamers

  • PlayStation 5
  • Xbox Series X
  • Meta Quest 3

For Explorers

  • DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone
  • Camera Drone

For Creators and Innovators

  • Professional Drawing Tablet
  • Ultimate STEM Tech Pack – Robotics kit, 3D printing pen and coding microcomputer

“JUNIOR EXPLORERS CHALLENGE” OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES AND REGULATIONS (“Rules”)

The monthly “JUNIOR EXPLORERS CHALLENGE” contests are organized and executed by Mining Matters in partnership with The Northern Miner and Alamos Gold Corporation (“The Sponsors”).

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY

SECTION 1: ELIGIBILITY

The monthly “JUNIOR EXPLORERS CHALLENGE” contests (the “Contests”) are open to all legal residents of Canada who are between the ages of 9 and 17 at the time of entry into the Contest, provided that consent is obtained from your parent or legal guardian to enter the Contests and to be eligible to win. Further, your parent or legal guardian must agree to be bound by these Rules on your behalf. If the Sponsors discover that parental consent was not obtained, the entry will be void. Because entrants are under the age of majority in their province or territory of residence, prizes won by entrants will be awarded to the parent or legal guardian on behalf of the entrant.

SECTION 2: CONTEST PERIOD

The Sponsors will run 12 (twelve) separate contests. Each individual contest will begin at 10:00 am ET on the first day of each month starting on January 1, 2026 and close at 11:59 pm ET on the last day of each month with the final contest ending on December 31, 2026 (the “Contest Period”). Any entries received after that time will be void.

SECTION 3: HOW TO PARTICIPATE

All participants must reside in Canada.

To enter the Contests, visit WEBSITE and follow the instructions for the current available Contest. In order to enter one or more of the Contests, you will need to fill out the Contest entry form for each Contest you want to participate in. In the Contest entry form you will need to confirm that you have read and agree with the Official Contest Rules and Regulations (the “Rules”), and confirm your age. In the Contest entry form, your parent/legal guardian must also give permission for you to enter the contest, agree to the Rules, and agree that all the information provided in the entry form was filled out by a parent/legal guardian by choosing “Confirmed” in the drop down menu on the Contest entry form. As a part of this process, you will also need to provide your first name, age and parent/legal guardian e-mail address, phone number and mailing address, along with your Contest Submission. If you are under the age of majority in your province or territory of residence, you must have the consent of your parent/legal guardian to enter. Upon receiving your Contest Submission, the Sponsors will send your parent/legal guardian an email confirming that you entered the contest. After satisfying the above eligibility requirements, you will be entered into the Contest during the Contest Period. By entering the Contest, entrants’ parent/legal guardian agree to abide by these Rules, which shall be final and binding on all entrants in all matters relating to this Contest. The Sponsors are not responsible for lost, incomplete, or misdirected entries, or entries that are processed late or incorrectly or are lost due to computer or electronic malfunction or other error.

SECTION 4: PRIZE

Prize Catalogue

There will be one prize awarded each month for a total of nine (9) prizes during the contest period. Each monthly prize winner may select one item from the catalogue below. Approximate retail values range from $700 to $1,300 CAD.

  • Prize Options (Winner Chooses One):
  • MacBook Air (M2, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, base model)
  • MacBook Air (M2, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, clearance/sale model)
  • DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone (Fly More Combo)
  • Gaming Laptop (entry-level model within the stated value range)
  • PlayStation 5 Console with Game Bundle
  • Xbox Series X Console with Game Pass (1-year subscription)
  • Premium Smartphone (recent flagship or previous-generation model, unlocked, base storage)
  • Meta Quest 3 Virtual Reality Headset Package
  • Ultimate STEM Tech Pack (robotics kit, 3D printing pen, and coding microcomputer)
  • Professional Drawing Tablet with Pen (e.g. Wacom or equivalent)
  • Mid-Range Gaming Laptop (model within the stated value range)
  • Camera Drone with Basic Accessories


The chances of winning the Prize depends upon the total number of eligible entries received in the Contest Period.

The Prize may not be exchanged for cash, is non-transferable, non-refundable, non-salable, and must be accepted as awarded.

The Sponsors reserve the right to make any changes to the Prize for any reason and without notice, and any difference between the actual value of the Prize and the approximate value of the Prize as stated in these Rules will not be awarded. The winner is solely responsible for all other costs not specifically identified as included in the Prize.

The Sponsors are not responsible for the forfeiture of the Prize due to changes in mailing addresses, or any other circumstances resulting in an invalid, erroneous or incomplete mailing address or e-mail address.

SECTION 5: PRIZE DRAW

One (1) random draw will be held at or around 12:00 pm ET on the 20th day of each month during the contest period. All eligible entries for the Contest received during the Contest Period will be included in the draw. The Sponsors reserve the right to reschedule the Contest draw at any time and for any reason.

SECTION 6: PRIZE CLAIM CONDITIONS

The Sponsors will contact the selected winners within forty-eight (48) hours of the draw by email at the email address provided during registration and the selected winner must respond to the notification within three (3) business days of the first attempt by the Sponsors. Failure to respond by such time may result in the forfeiture of the Prize in the absolute discretion of the Sponsors.

To be confirmed as the winner of the Contest, the selected winner must be in full compliance with these Rules; and, the selected winner’s parent/legal guardian must sign and return a release of liability and consent to publicity form (the “Release Form”) and any other documentation as may reasonably be required by the Sponsors in their absolute discretion.

Decisions and rulings are final and binding without appeal in all matters related to this Contest and the awarding of a prize.

A selected winner and their parent/legal guardian may be required to provide proof of identification to the Sponsors when claiming the Prize or otherwise in connection with this Contest to facilitate the Sponsors’ accurate identification of a Contest winner.

If the selected entrant has met the eligibility requirements set out in these Rules, the selected entrant will be
confirmed as the Prize winner.

If a selected winner does not fulfill the conditions set out in these Rules, or declines or forfeits the Prize, the Sponsors reserve the right, in their absolute discretion, to cancel the Prize or to select another entrant. Any alternate winner will be selected by random draw from the remaining eligible entries in the same manner as described above.

Entrants who have not complied with these Rules will be disqualified.

SECTION 7: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

By submitting your contest entry form and any related material, you waive all moral rights and grant (or warrant that the owner of such materials expressly grants) to the Sponsors, its parent, related and affiliated companies, and subsidiaries, a worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free, irrevocable, sub-licensable, and non-exclusive license and right to (i) use, copy, adapt, transmit, communication, publicly display, perform, and/or distribute such submitted materials; and (ii) create compilations and/or derivative works from such submitted materials.

SECTION 8: GENERAL CONDITIONS

The selected entrant will be disqualified and required to forfeit any claim to a Prize if the terms set forth in these Rules are not adhered to.

By participating in this Contest, entrants’ parents or legal guardians acknowledge compliance with, and agree to be bound by, these Rules, including the eligibility requirements. Further, entrants’ parents or legal guardians release and hold harmless the Sponsor, its parent, related and affiliated companies, subsidiaries, advertising and promotional agencies and each of their respective directors, successors, sponsors, partners, licensees, officers, subsidiaries, agents, employees, advisors, assignees, and all others associated with the development and execution of the Contest (collectively, the “Releasees”), from and against any and all manner of action, causes of action, suits, debts, covenants, contracts, claims and demands, including legal fees and expenses, whatsoever, including but not limited to, claims based on negligence, breach of contract and fundamental breach and liability for physical injury, death, or property damage which the entrant or his/her administrators, heirs, successors or assigns might have or could have, by reason of or arising out of the entrant’s participation in the Contest and/or in connection with the acceptance and/or use by the entrant of the Prize. Without limiting the foregoing, the Releasees shall not be responsible for: (a) any incomplete or inaccurate information; (b) the theft, destruction, loss or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries; (c) printing, distribution, programming or production errors, and any other errors of any kind, whether human, mechanical, electronic or otherwise; or (d) technical, pictorial, typographical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein or in other materials related to the Contest.

No responsibility will be taken by the Sponsors for the entrant’s inability to connect to the Internet/website during the Contest Period, lost, delayed, mutilated or misdirected entries, computer system failure, failure of the website during the Contest Period or for any problems or technical malfunction of a telephone network or lines, computer on-line systems, servers, access providers, computer equipment, software, failure of any e-mail, on-line, or Internet entry to be received by the Sponsors on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website, or any combination thereof including any injury or damage to an entrant’s or any other person’s computer or property related to or resulting from participating in, or downloading any material relating to, the Contest. The Sponsors reserve the right, in its sole discretion to cancel or suspend this Contest without notice should a virus, bug or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of the Sponsors corrupt the security or proper administration of the Contest and to award the Prizes from among all eligible entries received prior to cancellation of the Contest. If, as a result of an error relating to the entry process, drawing or any other aspect of this Contest there are more potential winners of Prizes than contemplated in these Rules, there will be a random draw among all eligible potential winners at the end of the Contest Period to award the correct number of Prizes. The Sponsors reserve the right to disqualify any persons found attempting to deliberately damage any website or undermining the legitimate operation of this Contest and seek remedies and damages to the fullest extent permitted by law, including criminal prosecution. Entries are subject to verification by the Sponsors and will be declared invalid if they are forged, falsified, altered or tampered with in any way. The Sponsors reserve the right to cancel or suspend this Contest or to amend these Rules without notice for any reason whatsoever.

The Sponsors reserve the right to terminate, suspend or modify this Contest, in whole or in part, at any time and without notice or obligation if, in the Sponsors’ sole opinion, any factor interferes with its proper conduct as contemplated by these Rules. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if the Contest, or any part thereof, is not capable of running as planned for any reason which, in the sole opinion of the Sponsors, corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this Contest, the Sponsors may terminate, modify or suspend the Contest, or any portion thereof in its sole discretion.

The Sponsors further reserve the right, in its sole discretion to cancel or suspend this Contest without notice should a virus, bug or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of the Sponsors corrupt the security or proper administration of the Contest and to award the Prizes from among all eligible entries received prior to cancellation of the Contest. If, as a result of an error relating to the entry process, drawing or any other aspect of this Contest there are more potential winners of the Prizes than contemplated in these Rules, there will be a random draw among all eligible potential winners at the end of the Contest Period to award the Prizes. The Sponsors reserve the right to disqualify any persons found attempting to deliberately damage any website or undermining the legitimate operation of this Contest and seek remedies and damages to the fullest extent permitted by law, including criminal prosecution. Entries are subject to verification by the Sponsors and will be declared invalid if they are forged, falsified, altered or tampered with in any way. The Sponsors reserve the right to cancel or suspend this Contest or to amend these Rules without notice for any reason whatsoever.

SECTION 9: PRIVACY AND PERSONAL INFORMATION

By entering the Contest, each entrant and their parent or legal guardian consents (a) to the collection, use, and disclosure of the entrants’ personal information, including the entrant’s first name, province or territory of residence, image on videotape and/or photograph in any advertising relating to the Contest and/or the Prizes, and in any future publicity in connection with the Contest and the Sponsor’s related fundraising activities, in all media used by the Sponsor, and its advertising and promotional agencies and partners, without compensation or further notice, if that entrant is declared a Prize winner, and (b) to the use of that entrant’s personal information, including first name and address (such as mailing address) for the purpose of administering the Contest, contacting selected entrants, awarding and delivering the Prizes to the winners and sending information relating to the Sponsors’ products, promotions and/or other marketing activities.

By entering the Contest, each entrant and their parent or legal guardian acknowledges and consents that the entrant’s personal information can be transferred to the Sponsors’ third party service providers for the purpose of administering the contest, and can be stored on servers located outside of Canada, which may be subject to foreign legislation which may differ from the legislation of Canada with respect to disclosure of personal information to government authorities.

SECTION 10: APPLICABLE LAWS

This Contest is subject to the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Void where prohibited by law. Any disputes will be adjudicated by the courts sitting in the Province of Ontario. The Rules are available at WEBSITE for the duration of the Contest Period.

Dawson City: A town built on gold

More than a century ago, news spread that gold had been discovered in the Klondike region of Canada’s far north. Suddenly, thousands of dreamers packed their bags and set out on the long, dangerous journey. They crossed snowy mountains, fought freezing weather, and carried heavy loads of supplies — all for the chance to find treasure.

More than a century ago, news spread that gold had been discovered in the Klondike region of Canada’s far north. Suddenly, thousands of dreamers packed their bags and set out on the long, dangerous journey. They crossed snowy mountains, fought freezing weather, and carried heavy loads of supplies — all for the chance to find treasure.

At the center of it all was Dawson City. What had once been a quiet fishing camp quickly turned into a roaring boomtown. By 1898, Dawson’s muddy streets were crowded with miners, gamblers, shopkeepers, and entertainers. Music drifted out of dance halls late into the night, and the midnight sun shone on tents, cabins, and wooden hotels.

At the center of it all was Dawson City. What had once been a quiet fishing camp quickly turned into a roaring boomtown. By 1898, Dawson’s muddy streets were crowded with miners, gamblers, shopkeepers, and entertainers. Music drifted out of dance halls late into the night, and the midnight sun shone on tents, cabins, and wooden hotels.

Not everyone struck it rich with a shovel and pan. Some made fortunes in surprising ways. Alexander “Big Alex” McDonald became known as the “King of the Klondike” for the claims he owned. Belinda Mulrooney, a sharp businesswoman, sold supplies, built hotels, and outsmarted rivals to become one of the wealthiest people in town. Others became famous simply for their colorful lives — like “Klondike Kate,” whose dazzling dances made her a legend.

Not everyone struck it rich with a shovel and pan. Some made fortunes in surprising ways. Alexander “Big Alex” McDonald became known as the “King of the Klondike” for the claims he owned. Belinda Mulrooney, a sharp businesswoman, sold supplies, built hotels, and outsmarted rivals to become one of the wealthiest people in town. Others became famous simply for their colorful lives — like “Klondike Kate,” whose dazzling dances made her a legend.

But Dawson’s glory days didn’t last long. By 1899, new gold fields in Alaska lured people away. The crowds thinned, the music faded, and the town shrank back to only a few thousand residents. For decades, big machines kept mining the gold, but the lively Dawson of the Gold Rush seemed gone forever.More than a century ago, news spread that gold had been discovered in the Klondike region of Canada’s far north. Suddenly, thousands of dreamers packed their bags and set out on the long, dangerous journey. They crossed snowy mountains, fought freezing weather, and carried heavy loads of supplies — all for the chance to find treasure.

But Dawson’s glory days didn’t last long. By 1899, new gold fields in Alaska lured people away. The crowds thinned, the music faded, and the town shrank back to only a few thousand residents. For decades, big machines kept mining the gold, but the lively Dawson of the Gold Rush seemed gone forever.

Then, something remarkable happened. Instead of letting the old town crumble, people decided to save it. They repaired the wooden buildings, rebuilt the grand theatre, and told the stories of the rush years to curious visitors. Dawson was reborn, not as a gold capital, but as a place where history lives on.

Then, something remarkable happened. Instead of letting the old town crumble, people decided to save it. They repaired the wooden buildings, rebuilt the grand theatre, and told the stories of the rush years to curious visitors. Dawson was reborn, not as a gold capital, but as a place where history lives on.

Today, Dawson City is a blend of past and present. Tourists stroll down dirt streets, pan for gold in the creeks, and watch performers in bright costumes dance under the summer sun. The gold that once brought thousands of hopeful dreamers may be mostly gone, but Dawson’s spirit still shines.

Today, Dawson City is a blend of past and present. Tourists stroll down dirt streets, pan for gold in the creeks, and watch performers in bright costumes dance under the summer sun. The gold that once brought thousands of hopeful dreamers may be mostly gone, but Dawson’s spirit still shines.

Close this story and proceed to Step 3. Design and submit your poster for your chance to win!

Close story