Overview
BHP Xplor is a global minerals exploration accelerator program targeting early-stage companies with big ideas and geologic concepts.
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.
Applications for BHP Xplor 2025 are now open
Applications to be a part of the 2025 cohort have officially opened and we are on the quest to discover the most innovative exploration opportunities from around the world.
Applications close 11:59pm AEST October 9th, 2024.
Want to learn more about BHP Xplor 2025?
Book a 1:1 Drop In Session
Connect with one of the Xplor leadership team to ask questions about the progress or to discuss your application. Spots are limited.
Register here
How To Apply Video
Looking to understand more about what the BHP Xplor team are looking for in your application? This video provides guidance on how to answer the end-to-end application form and essential tips on crafting a good application.
Watch here
BHP Xplor
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Meet Sonia Scarselli, VP BHP Exploration and Xplor
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About BHP Xplor
BHP Xplor is a 6-month, accelerator program for early stage explorers looking to fast-track and de-risk their geologic concepts and become investment ready.
The BHP Xplor program is BHP’s front door for early-stage opportunities in the junior exploration market.
We are searching globally for the next generation of explorers who are ready to think about the earth’s minerals systems differently to unlock the critical minerals needed for the energy transition.
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 deepen your understanding of best in class practices.
Community
A global community of fellow BHP Xplor cohort members, supporting each other throughout the Xplor journey and beyond.
Investment Opportunities
Opportunity to pitch for follow-on funding or BHP partnerships throughout the program.
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.
Technical Readiness
Geologic 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.
BHP Xplor Timeline
Event:
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september-2022 2024 August: Applications and Interviews
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january-2---2023 2025 January: Bootcamp
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march-2023 2025 March: Toolkit Camp
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march---june-2023 2025 March - June: Site Visits
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march---june-2023-2 2025 March - June: Normal Programming
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june-2023 2025 June: Showcase
See more from the BHP Xplor 2024 Cohort
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BHP Xplor 2024 cohort
The six companies selected to join the 2024 BHP Xplor accelerator program are:
Cobre - Botswana | Meet the team
An exploration company listed on the Australia Securities Exchange, concentrating on copper and base metals exploration in Botswana.
East Star Resources - Kazakhstan | Meet the team
A United Kingdom-based company listed on the London Stock Exchange exploring for copper and other base and precious metals in Kazakhstan.
Equivest Minerals - Global | Meet the team
A private company deploying a technology platform combining statistical insights on the location of major metal deposits with integrated machine learning and minerals systems to predict priority areas of interest within key regions.
Hamelin Gold - Australia | Meet the team
A mineral exploration company listed on the Australia Securities Exchange, established to execute a modern exploration program at the 100% owned ~3,000km2 West Tanami Gold Project (“West Tanami”) in Western Australia. The Tanami Gold Province is prospective for high value, large scale gold deposits and for nickel-copper-PGE mineralised intrusions
Longreach Mineral - Australia | Meet the team
A private company that is applying an innovative mineral systems approach by leveraging our petroleum DNA to identify new tier 1 deposits critical to the energy transition. Our expertise in seismic geophysics and AI search tools, sets us apart in the exploration industry.
Pallas Resources - Kazakhstan | Meet the team
A private explorer focusing on large-scale copper, gold, nickel sulphide and lithium systems in Kazakhstan.
BHP Xplor 2023 Cohort
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BHP Xplor 2023 cohort
Learn more about our inagural 2023 cohort of companies below
Tutume Metals - Africa | Discover more | Watch their journey
Impact Minerals - Australia | Discover more | Watch their journey
Asian Battery Minerals - Mongolia | Discover more | Watch their journey
Red Ox Copper - Australia | Discover more | Watch their journey
Bronzite Exploration Corp - Canada | Discover more | Watch their journey
Nordic Nickel - Finland | Discover more | Watch their journey
Kingsrose Mining - Norway and Finland | Discover more | Watch their journey
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why did BHP start BHP Xplor?
Growth through partnership. BHP Xplor is dedicated to leading a new partnership model with the early-stage exploration ecosystem for growth. Via BHP Xplor, we provide funding, network connections and technical and operating capabilities to help our cohort companies develop their exploration concepts. This result is a broader and more diversified generative funnel for our company and our partners.
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Who makes up the cohort?Learn more about the 2024 BHP Xplor cohort here.
Global search
We are conducting a global search to find the next big exploration opportunity.
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What are the target geographies?We accept applications from 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?
- A US$500,000 equity-free grant to spend on your exploration work program.
- Connect with BHP’s leading experts and form long-term relationships.
- Gain access to BHP’s extensive network of vendors and service providers.
- Dive into an exploration curriculum that’s tailored to you.
- Join a global community of Xplorers.
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Are you offering any financial support for the program?Yes, successful applicants will receive a grant, US$500K, for use on their exploration opportunity during the program. At the end of the program, participants may have the opportunity to pitch for more substantial funding.
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