Seeking innovators for critical minerals exploration in 2025: BHP Xplor
BHP has opened applications for the 2025 cohort of its six-month accelerator program, Xplor, which focuses on uncovering new sources of critical minerals.
This follows the success of the 2023 and 2024 cohorts, with participants receiving up to $500,000 in equity-free funding, mentorship with technical, business and operational development, as well as connections within BHP’s extensive network of suppliers and service providers.
Since inception BHP has entered partnerships with three of program’s alumni.
BHP Xplor and exploration vice president Sonia Scarselli comments on this.
“Xplor in 2024 was an unforgettable journey filled with growth, innovation, and discovery,” she said.
“The program applications doubled from 2023 to 2024, and we are excited to see who will come forward for our 2025 program.
“The increased demand for critical metals presents a unique opportunity for junior explorers, but success requires strong two-way partnerships built on trust.
“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.”
The 2025 cohort will join the BHP Xplor alumni community to continue sharing insights and learnings on their journey.
2024 BHP Xplor alumni and East Star Resources chief executive and director Alex Walker comments on this.
“The toolkit that we have brought to East Star from BHP Xplor has elevated us in terms of professionalism,” he said.
“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.”
For BHP, this initiative presents an opportunity to tap into a diverse pipeline of exploration projects across new geographies and new geological concepts.
Applications for the BHP Xplor 2025 cohort opened yesterday and will run to October 9, 2024.