Xplor

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.​
Xplor

BHP Xplor

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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

 

BHP Xplor Timeline

Event:

2022 - September: Applications and Interviews 2023 - January: Bootcamp 2023 - March: Toolkit Camp 2023 - March - June: Site Visits 2023 - March - June: Normal Programming 2023 - June: Showcase
  • 2022

    September: Applications and Interviews

  • 2023

    January: Bootcamp

  • 2023

    March: Toolkit Camp

  • 2023

    March - June: Site Visits

  • 2023

    March - June: Normal Programming

  • 2023

    June: Showcase

Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

BHP Xplor is a global accelerator program.

  • 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.

  • What is happening now?
    The program for the inaugural Cohort ’23 is currently in progress.
  • Who makes up the first cohort?

Global search

We are conducting a global search to find the next big exploration opportunity.

  • What geographies & commodities are we targeting?
    Our primary focus is on copper & nickel, as well as other critical minerals, across the globe.
  • 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.

  • 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
  • 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.