The database contains 2,595 entries and is searchable on the name of the deceased, date of death, cause of death, name of mine (where known), type of mine, and location (community and/or county) in Nova Scotia. Only 7 names have been identified for the years prior to 1866.

The MRDF is designed to assist prospectors, exploration companies, and researchers, employ post-secondary students, and support projects in the mining sector that attract investment and grow Nova Scotia's economy and create jobs, especially in rural areas. The data published includes the file number, the Grant recipient, the applicant, the Company, the Project Name, the Commodity and the Amount awarded.

The MRDF is designed to assist prospectors, exploration companies, and researchers, employ post-secondary students, and support projects in the mining sector that attract investment and grow Nova Scotia's economy and create jobs, especially in rural areas. The data published includes the file number, the Grant recipient, the applicant, the Company, the Project Name, the Commodity and the Amount awarded.