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 the 2026 cohort open 8 September 2025
We were delighted with the strength of the field for the 2025 BHP Xplor program - the quality of applicants was extremely high. Successful applicants demonstrated strong leadership, a commitment to innovation in their exploration programs, and a willingness to push industry boundaries in applying new concepts, data and testing techniques. BHP looks forward to working with each of the successful applicants to help them realize their potential.
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.
BHP Xplor Timeline
Event:
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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
BHP Xplor 2025 cohort
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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
BHP Xplor 2024 cohort
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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
BHP Xplor 2023 Cohort
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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
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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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