Overview
BHP Xplor is a global accelerator program.
Welcome to BHP Xplor
BHP Xplor is a global accelerator program targeting innovative, early-stage mineral exploration companies to find the critical resources necessary to drive the energy transition.
BHP Xplor
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Meet Sonia Scarselli, VP BHP Xplor
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About BHP Xplor
The 6-month program supports early-stage mining exploration companies to efficiently and safely de-risk their geologic concept and become investment-ready.
BHP Xplor is BHP’s front door for early-stage concepts in the junior exploration market.
We search globally for the next generation of explorers that are ready to think about the earth’s minerals systems differently to unlock copper, nickel and other critical mineral deposits.
BHP Xplor 2023 Cohort
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The 2023 BHP Xplor Cohort
The seven companies selected for the 2023 BHP Xplor accelerator cohort are across multiple commodities and cover a global footprint.
Tutume Metals - Botswana
A private, junior exploration company in Botswana with secured ground searching for new magmatic nickel, copper systems in southern Africa.
Impact Minerals - Australia
A junior explorer listed on the Australian Stock Exchange with a variety of battery metals projects across Australia.
Asian Battery Minerals - Mongolia
A junior exploration company focused on finding economic deposits of critical minerals in the Asia Pacific.
Red Ox Copper - Australia
A private minerals exploration group, specialising in generating grassroots, greenfield conceptual plays with potential for tier 1 ore deposits.
Bronzite Exploration Corp - Canada
An early-stage exploration for copper in northern Canada. Spearheaded by Prof. James Mungall, experienced field and economic geologist at Carleton University, Ottawa.
Nordic Nickel - Finland
A brand new nickel sulphide explorer, listed on the Australia Stock Exchange and focused on two projects in North Finland, in the central Lapland Greenstone Belt.
Kingsrose Mining - Norway and Finland
A junior exploration company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange with regional projects in Norway and Finland targeting nickel, copper and platinum group elements.
How does the program work?
The program is designed to help participants further build out their exploration concept and become ‘investment ready’, leveling up their operations, business and technical skillset through the three program tracks.
Program Tracks
Technical Readiness
Geological concepts and tools to characterise technical opportunities.
Business Readiness
Key considerations for running a business in the areas of: strategy, finance, legal, compliance, people, and culture.
Operations Readiness
Key field operations and above ground considerations for safely planning and executing an exploration program.
Program Benefits
Funding
Up to $500K in non-dilutive funding to help support your business during the BHP Xplor program.
Xperts & Coaching
Access to dedicated technical and commercial coaching, as well as experts across our Technical, Business and Operational pillars.
Service Providers
Connection to BHP’s ecosystem of partners and service providers.
Learning Curriculum
A tailored learning program, to help you better understand and adopt best in class practices.
Community
A global community of fellow BHP Xplor cohort members, supporting each other throughout the Xplor journey and beyond.
Opportunities
Potential to pitch for substantial funding or BHP partnership at the end of the program.
BHP Xplor Timeline
Event:
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september-2022
2022
September: Applications and Interviews
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january-2---2023
2023
January: Bootcamp
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march-2023
2023
March: Toolkit Camp
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march---june-2023
2023
March - June: Site Visits
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march---june-2023-2
2023
March - June: Normal Programming
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june-2023
2023
June: Showcase
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why did BHP start BHP Xplor?
To be a leader in leveraging the early-stage company ecosystem for large company growth.
Via BHP Xplor, we can provide technical and operating capabilities to help these companies develop, and in doing so, obtain a more diversified and broader generative funnel for our company and our partners.
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What is happening now?The program for the inaugural Cohort ’23 is currently in progress.
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Who makes up the first cohort?To learn more about the companies making up the first BHP Xplor cohort visit https://www.bhp.com/news/articles/2023/01/bhp-xplor-selects-seven-companies-to-help-accelerate-copper-and-nickel-exploration
Global search
We are conducting a global search to find the next big exploration opportunity.
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What geographies & commodities are we targeting?Our primary focus is on copper & nickel, as well as other critical minerals, across the globe.
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What type of candidate do we look for?We welcome (a) first time entrepreneurs, fresh from research and/or academia with a great exploration idea and data, and are ready to establish a company, (b) established teams and companies, with an early-stage and potentially breakthrough idea with data that has yet to be de-risked, and/or (c) mature teams and companies, with an exploration concept, data, and some preliminary de-risking activities. Candidates may or may not have land access and may or may not have raised funding before.
A premier program
BHP Xplor will provide a premier program to help participants prepare for exploration operations and business success.
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Why should candidates apply?
- Industry leading best practices drawn from our team’s years of experience
- Investment readiness for your company across technical, business and operations lenses
- Connection with a global cohort of peers to share insights and learnings
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Are you offering any financial support for the program?Yes, successful applicants will receive a generous stipend up to US$500K for operating costs during the program duration. At the end of the program, participants will have the opportunity to pitch for more substantial funding for their exploration plan.
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