Xplor

Welcome to BHP Xplor

Applications are now open.

Ready to apply? Applications are now open here.

Attend a BHP Xplor event or webinar

We highly recommend connecting with the BHP Xplor team before submitting your application.

Whether you join a live webinar or catch us at a global conference, these events are the best way to learn about the program, ask questions, and hear directly from the team behind Xplor.

  • Webinars
    During these webinars, our team will share insights on what we look for in a strong proposal, explain how the program works, and answer any questions you have about timing, selection, or fit. 

    Live Q&A webinar - Tuesday 7 October 2025
    Time: 9:00 AM Los Angeles/Vancouver / 12:00 PM New York/Toronto / 1:00 PM Santiago / 5:00 PM London / 6:00 PM Johannesburg
    Register here
  • Industry Conferences

    Come speak with us in person. Our team will be on the ground at several upcoming conferences to share more about Xplor and answer your questions:

    SEG 2025, 26-29 September 2025, Brisbane, Australia

     

Program Benefits

 

BHP Xplor Timeline

Event:

2025 - September: Applications open 2025 - November - December: Interviews in Toronto 2026 - January: Program begins at Bootcamp 2026 - March: Toolkit camp 2026 - June: Scale Camp 2026 - September: Showcase
  • 2025 September: Applications open
  • 2025 November - December: Interviews in Toronto
  • 2026 January: Program begins at Bootcamp
  • 2026 March: Toolkit camp
  • 2026 June: Scale Camp
  • 2026 September: Showcase

Ready to apply? Applications are now open here.

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.