BHP Xplor

Xplor
Introducing the 2026 Cohort

We’re excited to share the BHP Xplor 2026 cohort, the program’s largest and most diverse group to date, and a great reflection of how discovery is evolving.

Now in its fourth year, Xplor brings together early-stage explorers, geoscience organisations, and technology teams from around the world. This year’s cohort stands out for the way it connects geology, data, science, and technology, and for the diversity of people and perspectives across the group.

The ten companies joining Xplor 2026 are…

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Discovery Genomics – Canada

Discovery Genomics pioneers DNA sequencing to advance next-generation mineral exploration and discovery.

Frontier Exploration – Canada

Frontier Exploration reimagines exploration through partnerships to reverse declining global resource discovery rates.

Litchfield Minerals – Australia

Litchfield Minerals explores and develops high‑value base and precious metal systems in Australia.

Mineural – Canada

Mineural uses AI to enable efficient, responsible discovery of critical mineral resources.

Orion Minerals – South Africa

Orion advances South African copper projects, transitioning from explorer to mid‑tier producer.

Otrera Resources – South America

Otrera Resources explores sediment‑hosted copper deposits across key regions of South America.

PT GeoFix – Indonesia

GeoFix provides exploration and mining consultancy grounded in science, best practice, compliance.

RadiXplore – Australia

RadiXplore accelerates strategic mineral intelligence, helping miners identify and acquire high‑value assets.

Utah Geological Survey (UGS) – USA

UGS provides Utah’s primary geologic resources as part of the Natural Resources division.

VectOres Science – USA

VectOres provides primary‑data mineral discovery solutions using proprietary hydrogeochemical and isotopic technologies.
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What is BHP Xplor

BHP Xplor is a six-month accelerator program for early-stage mineral exploration companies. We provide US$500,000 in equity-free funding, along with hands-on technical, commercial, and operational support. Our goal is to help explorers fast-track promising concepts into viable projects that can contribute to the minerals needed for the energy transition.

Program Benefits

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Learning Curriculum

A tailored learning program, to deepen your understanding of best in class practices.

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Community

A global community of fellow BHP Xplor cohort members, supporting each other throughout the Xplor journey and beyond.

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Investment Opportunities

Opportunity to pitch for follow-on funding or BHP partnerships throughout the program.

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Funding

Up to $500K in non-dilutive funding to help support your business during the BHP Xplor program.

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Xperts & Coaching

Access to dedicated technical and commercial coaching, as well as experts across our Technical, Business and Operational pillars.

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Service Providers

Connection to BHP’s ecosystem of partners and service providers.

BHP Xplor Timeline

2026
January: Program begins at Bootcamp
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March: Toolkit camp
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June: Scale Camp
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September: Showcase
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Xplor 2025

BHP Xplor 2025 cohort

Learn more about our 2025 cohort of companies below

Condor - Argentina 

DesertEx - Saudi Arabia

Electrum Discovery - Serbia

Firetail Resources  - Peru

GreenX Metals - Germany

Orogen Royalties  - USA

Scout Discoveries - USA

Viridian Metals  - Canada
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BHP Xplor 2024 cohort

Learn more about our 2024 cohort of companies below

Cobre - Botswana | Meet the team

East Star Resources - Kazakhstan | Meet the team

Equivest Minerals - Global | Meet the team

Hamelin Gold  - Australia | Meet the team

Longreach Mineral - Australia | Meet the team

Pallas Resources - Kazakhstan | Meet the team
Cohort

BHP Xplor 2023 cohort

Learn more about our inaugural 2023 cohort of companies below

Tutume Metals - Africa | Meet the team

Impact Minerals - Australia | Meet the team

Asian Battery Minerals - Mongolia | Meet the team

Red Ox Copper - Australia | Meet the team

Bronzite Exploration Corp - Canada | Meet the team

Nordic Nickel - Finland | Meet the team

Kingsrose Mining - Norway and Finland | Meet the team

Frequently Asked Questions

Overview
BHP Xplor is a global minerals exploration accelerator program targeting early-stage companies with big ideas and geologic concepts.
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.

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.
What are the target geographies?
We accept applications from 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?
  • 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.
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.