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BHP backs next wave of exploration and technology talent BHP (ASX: BHP) has selected 10 junior exploration and technology companies for its 2026 Xplor program, marking the largest cohort since the program began.Now in its fourth year of operation, the Xplor program reflects a more connected approach to early-stage exploration, where geological insight, data and emerging technologies increasingly intersect — with collaboration across disciplines central to how discovery evolves.As exploration moves into more remote and geologically complex environments, this intersection of expertise is opening up new possibilities for how mineral systems are understood, tested, and advanced at the earliest stages.BHP Group exploration officer Tim O’Connor says exploration is evolving quickly.“New tools, better data and different ways of working are changing how early-stage ideas are tested and refined,” he said.“This cohort reflects that shift, bringing together explorers and technology developers who are approaching discovery in thoughtful and practical ways. Xplor gives us a valuable opportunity to learn alongside them and explore what discovery could look like in the future.”The cohort was selected based on the strength of their ideas, technical capability and potential to contribute to the long-term supply of future-facing commodities.Each company will receive an equity-free grant of about $717,000 , along with structured learning, mentoring and access to BHP specialists across exploration, technology and commercial functions.BHP Xplor head Marley Palin says the 2026 cohort reflects how broad and dynamic early-stage discovery has become.“We’re seeing exciting ideas emerge across exploration, data and technology, often at the same time and in the same places,” she said.“Bringing these teams together through Xplor creates a unique environment for collaboration, learning and experimentation — we’re looking forward to what this group will explore over the coming months.”Xplor 2026’s successful applicants FrontierX FrontierX is an early-stage uranium exploration company in Canada, formed by two BHP Xplor Year One alumni, Fabian Baker and Andrew Tunningley. Through Xplor, the company is undertaking a preliminary uranium project, focused on testing early geological concepts and building an initial understanding of exploration potential.    Litchfield MineralsLitchfield Minerals (ASX: LMS) is an Australian exploration company advancing copper, zinc, lead, silver and gold opportunities in the Northern Territory. Through Xplor, the company is focusing on its Oonagalabi project in the Arunta region, applying modern geophysics and targeted fieldwork to build a clearer picture of a large, underexplored mineral system.Orion MineralsOrion Minerals (ASX: ORN) is an exploration and development company advancing a portfolio of copper and zinc assets in South Africa’s Northern Cape. Through Xplor, Orion is applying modern data analytics and mineral systems thinking across its large tenement package to identify new discovery opportunities beyond known deposits.Otrera ResourcesOtrera Resources is an early-stage exploration company focused on sediment-hosted copper systems. Its Xplor project is centred on advancing new copper targets drawing on the team’s deep regional experience and modern geochemical and geological approaches.PT GeoFixPT GeoFix Indonesia is a multidisciplinary geoscience consultancy supporting mineral exploration across Southeast Asia. Through Xplor, GeoFix is applying its proprietary prospectivity tools and regional expertise to test new porphyry copper-gold exploration concepts in underexplored parts of the Sunda-Banda Arc.Utah Geological SurveyBased in the US, Utah Geological Survey (UGS) is Utah’s primary geoscience organisation, providing authoritative geological data and scientific insight to support resource management and exploration. Through Xplor, UGS is leading a regional mineral systems analysis across the eastern Great Basin, integrating new datasets and targeted fieldwork to improve understanding of mineral potential and make high-quality geoscience data publicly available.RadiXploreRadiXplore is an Australian technology company using artificial intelligence to analyse historical exploration records alongside modern geological and corporate data. Through Xplor, RadiXplore is applying its AI platform to copper exploration, testing how legacy data can be re-interpreted to surface overlooked opportunities and support earlier, more informed discovery decisions.MineuralMineural is a Canadian deep-tech company using artificial intelligence to help exploration teams identify and prioritise mineral targets more efficiently. Through Xplor, Mineural is applying its AI platform, IRIS, to copper exploration, combining machine learning with BHP’s geological expertise to test how AI can support earlier, more responsible discovery decisions.VectOres ScienceVectOres Science is a US-based mining technology company developing non-invasive hydrogeochemical and isotopic tools to support mineral exploration. Through Xplor, the company is applying its water and isotope chemistry platform to test how real-time primary data can help identify and prioritise mineral systems earlier, without reliance on initial drilling.Discovery GenomicsDiscovery Genomics is a Canadian technology company developing DNA sequencing as a new tool for mineral exploration. Through Xplor, the company is advancing its genomics platform for copper exploration, testing how microbial DNA signatures can help identify buried mineral systems in covered and complex terrains.

WesTrac field service technician Leon Archibald was crowned runner-up in the Caterpillar Global Dealership Technician Challenge in the US.The global competition was first introduced in 2024 to recognise the critical role technicians play in keeping major industries operating, while also showcasing the world-class technical skills across Caterpillar’s global dealer network.Held over three days in Illinois, the challenge tested finalists through a series of high-pressure, real-world scenarios — requiring them to diagnose and repair complex mechanical faults under strict time limits.Mr Archibald, from WA, says the experience was both challenging and rewarding.“It’s been a long process, nearly two years, so to go through all that and get that result is amazing,” he said.“I didn’t think there’d be anything like this , you meet a lot more people and become more widely known.“It’s hard to explain the exact feeling of a podium finish, but it was great.”The result follows Mr Archibald’s standout performance at the semi-finals held in Spain last year, where he placed first against elite technicians from across Europe, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East, securing his spot in the final.Mr Archibald was supported by mentor Peter Bardwell, who helped prepare him for the intensity of the international competition.Mr Bardwell says Mr Archibald’s calm approach on the global stage was the key to his success.“Leon is extremely determined and his technical knowledge is by far the best I’ve seen,” he said.“He was able to shake off some minor things that didn’t quite go our way.“It was such a privilege for me to join him in his journey to success. He is truly deserving of this accomplishment.”WesTrac WA chief executive Jarvas Croome says the result was a proud moment for not only the company, but the state.“Leon’s achievement is an incredible proud moment for WesTrac,” he said.“Standing among the world’s best technicians is no small feat and Leon’s success is a testament to his skill and a powerful example of what investment in our people looks like.”

Coal from Bravus Mining and Resources’ Carmichael mine near Clermont in central Queensland is making its way to port on a rail line where cutting edge freight technologies are rivalled by the sophistication of fauna-friendly crossings. Bravus Mining and Resources chief operating officer Mick Crowe says the 200km Carmichael Rail Network includes hundreds of design features to support local biodiversity on a line also setting new standards for freight transport. “The design means not only does our coal get to port using safe and efficient rail operations, but it also allows local fauna to thrive,” he said. “Coal is hauled by Bowen Rail Company trains on the Carmichael Rail Network through an area of central Queensland that is home to…

Bowen Rail Company’s (BRC) RACE Live will be showcased as an example of excellence in innovation at the 2024 Australasian Rail Industry Awards. RACE Live was developed in partnership with Brisbane-based software developer Polymathian to improve safety and productivity when railing coal from the Queensland Carmichael mine to port for export. BRC general manager Brendan Lane says RACE Live’s shortlisting as a finalist in the Freight Rail Excellence category at the rail industry’s national awards reflects the company’s commitment to continuous innovation and improvement. “Our aim since establishing our business in Bowen in North Queensland in 2020 has been to do things a little differently to advance the safety, environmental and economic standards of the rail industry,” he said. “We’ve…