BHP Xplor

Xplor

BHP Xplor is a 9-month program offering an equity-free grant of US$500,000, structured learning, expert mentoring, and access to BHP specialists for early-stage exploration companies and technologies with the potential for discovery at scale.

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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.

What Xplor provides

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US$500K equity-free grant

An equity-free grant to spend on your exploration work program.

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Expert mentoring

Access to BHP specialists across exploration, technology, and commercial functions.

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Structured learning

Curriculum built around early-stage discovery — technical, commercial, and operational.

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Global network

Connections across BHP's exploration network in the Americas, Africa, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

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Commercial support

Help with capital strategy, investor positioning, and commercial decisions.

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Xplor alumni community

Access to 31+ companies across 4 cohorts working in early-stage mineral discovery.

Nine months. Structured. Built around your project.

2026
January: Program begins at Bootcamp
2026
March: Toolkit camp
2022
November: Interviews
In-person interviews provide an opportunity for applicants to speak to the technical credentials of their concept, share relevant supporting information with the selection panel and meet the BHP Xplor team.
See more from the BHP Xplor 2023 cohort
2026
September: Showcase
2022
January: BHP Xplor program is launched
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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

Everything you need to know
BHP Xplor is a global minerals exploration accelerator program targeting early-stage companies with big ideas and geologic concepts.
Is the funding really equity-free?

Yes. BHP takes no equity in your company as a condition of participation.

The grant is yours to deploy against your exploration work program.

 
Do I need to be in a specific country?

No. Xplor is a global program. We have supported companies across Australia,

Canada, South Africa, the Americas, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

 
Do I need to own tenements to apply?
No. You do not need to hold tenements. Individuals, private companies, and listed companies can all apply — including companies applying with a single project from a broader portfolio.
 
What is expected of me during the program?
Two active representatives: a business lead (CEO or MD) and a senior technical expert. Approximately four hours per fortnight across Bootcamp, virtual masterclasses, Toolkit Camp, Scale Camp, and Showcase.
 
What happens to my IP?
Your intellectual property remains yours. Participation in Xplor does not transfer or licence IP to BHP.
 
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.