A few months have passed since another successful cycle of BHP Xplor came to a close, and the company is already on the hunt for more exciting minerals exploration opportunities to advance the energy transition. Applications for BHP Xplor 2025 are officially open as the company continues its mission to expedite critical mineral exploration efforts for entrepreneurs and early-stage companies while finding growth through collaboration.
What is BHP XPlor?
The answer is unique, since the six-month programme brings together aspects of venture capital and early-stage accelerators, marking the first of its kind in the minerals exploration sector. Participants are provided financial grants up to US$500,000 in equity-free cash and gain access to a network of industry experts at BHP to support technical, business, and operational development.
At the end of the programme, participants will have the chance to pitch for further funding to set their exploration plans on the path to success. BHP has entered into strategic alliances with three of the initiative’s alumni since welcoming the first cohort in 2023. Moreover, all successful applicants will join the BHP Xplor alumni community to continue learning from each other and sharing insights from around the world.
“The toolkit that we have brought to East Star from BHP Xplor has elevated us in terms of professionalism,” says Alex Walker, CEO and director of East Star Resources, a UK-based company exploring for copper in Kazakhstan, and 2024 BHP Xplor alumni. “Having someone who feels like they are absolutely in your corner has been amazing. Since Xplor, we’re expanding; we’ve built a bigger team, and we have bigger targets. We expect that this will result in a better outcome for all stakeholders.”
Commenting on the success of this year’s programme, BHP Xplor and Exploration vice president Sonia Scarselli said: “Xplor in 2024 was an unforgettable journey filled with growth, innovation, and discovery. The programme applications doubled from 2023 to 2024, and we are excited to see who will come forward for our 2025 programme.”
Applications opened on Tuesday 3rd September 2024 and will close on Wednesday 9th October 2024. BHP Xplor has a rigorous selection process commencing with screening and technical discussions followed by in-person interviews.
Securing funding is a vital yet increasingly challenging step in a junior exploration project’s success, but coaching, collaboration and connection within the community will be equally important for companies seeking to level up their operations. BHP Xplor brings all of these aspects together, equipping participants with technical, business, and operations readiness.
“The increased demand for critical metals presents a unique opportunity for junior explorers, but success requires strong two-way partnerships built on trust,” says Scarselli. “Xplor is a boldly different way of thinking, it’s about shared vision. We believe this approach will help us to be better as an exploration industry and expedite the discovery of critical minerals required for a greener future.”
On 23rd September 2024, GlobalData is hosting a webinar with the BHP Xplor team. Explorers looking to discover more about the program are invited to attend by registering here.
To learn more about BHP Xplor, visit www.bhp.com/xplor.
