BHP’s six-month accelerator program aimed at unlocking critical minerals, BHP Xplor, has launched a global search for its next 2024 cohort.
BHP Xplor is returning and searching for early-stage explorers and startups focusing on identifying new resources of critical minerals needed for the world’s future. It follows the successful completion of its first year with the graduation of the initial cohort in June 2023.
BHP Xplor provides chosen participants with funding, mentorship, coaching, and connections to BHP’s network of suppliers and service providers, accelerating exploration concepts and developing long-term collaborations.
BHP Xplor also provides participants with the opportunity to be a part of a unique community of like-minded explorers.
“We are energised by the success of the program’s first cycle and thrilled to start our search for the next 2024 cohort. As we’ve seen reflected through the first cohort, BHP Xplor is designed for people who are ready to think differently and push the boundaries of traditional exploration. We’re excited to see the new, innovative opportunities that will come forward in this application phase and looking forward to meeting the people behind them. We’re looking forward to reviewing future opportunities from around the world for new, and exciting exploration concepts needed to bring forward the critical minerals required to decarbonize,” BHP Xplor Vice President Sonia Scarselli said.
BHP is leveraging the program to broaden its global exploration potential, including new geographies and concepts, to strengthen its pipeline and future growth portfolio.
BHP Chief Technical Officer Laura Tyler commented, “Through BHP Xplor, we’re effectively transforming set models by testing opportunities at an accelerated pace, implementing new ways of thinking, and creating innovative concepts to address some of today’s biggest challenges facing early-stage minerals exploration.”
Selected companies will get up to USD$500,000 in funding from BHP, as well as access to a network of internal and external specialists to assist in steering development across the company’s technical, business, and operational elements.
The program will begin accepting applications on 23 August 2023 and will end on 11 October 2023.
