BHP Xplor: Applications Open for 2026 Cohort – Equity-Free Funding & Global Support

09/09/2025 – 01:11 AM

MELBOURNE, Australia, Sept. 09, 2025 — In a bid to bolster the global supply of critical minerals, BHP (NYSE:BHP) has officially launched the application window for its 2026 BHP Xplor cohort. This nine-month accelerator program is strategically designed to identify and support early-stage ventures focused on discovering new deposits of essential resources for a sustainable future.

Capitalizing on the momentum and proven track record of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 cohorts, BHP Xplor is actively seeking applications from ambitious explorers ready to revolutionize critical mineral discovery. The program offers a unique proposition: up to $500,000 in equity-free funding, coupled with invaluable mentorship from industry experts and unparalleled access to BHP’s extensive global network of suppliers and service providers. This holistic approach aims to de-risk early-stage exploration, a historically capital-intensive and uncertain phase of mining project development.

Tim O’Connor, BHP’s Group Exploration Officer, emphasized the program’s strategic importance, stating, “Xplor has quickly become a recognized pathway for early-stage explorers who want to scale faster and think more boldly. The program provides not only capital, but access to the knowledge, networks, and technical depth that can fundamentally change the trajectory of a company. As the world’s demand for critical minerals intensifies, building strong partnerships between majors and juniors will be essential. Xplor is about more than accelerating exploration projects, it’s about shaping a new way of working together to unlock the resources needed for the future.” This statement underscores BHP’s commitment to collaborative innovation and strategic resource acquisition in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

The 2026 cohort will also benefit from joining BHP Xplor’s expanding alumni network, currently comprising 21 companies. This network fosters continuous knowledge sharing and collaborative learning, providing ongoing support to participants as they navigate the complexities of resource exploration and development.

Elena Clarici, CEO of Electrum Discovery, a current BHP Xplor participant, offered insights into the program’s impact: “Being part of BHP Xplor has been invaluable. The program has given us access to expertise and resources that have helped sharpen our strategy and move our projects forward more quickly. It has also opened doors to networks and opportunities that would have been much harder to access on our own. Xplor is already making a real difference in how we grow as a company.” Clarici’s testimonial highlights the tangible benefits of the program, including accelerated project timelines and enhanced strategic clarity.

From BHP’s perspective, Xplor serves as a strategic initiative to engage with a broad range of exploration projects across diverse geographical locations and innovative geological concepts. This engagement supports BHP’s long-term growth strategy by providing access to a pipeline of potential future resources and fostering innovation within the mineral exploration sector. The program allows BHP to identify and de-risk potential investment opportunities while contributing to the overall advancement of sustainable resource development.

Applications for the BHP Xplor 2026 cohort are being accepted from September 8 to October 15, 2025. This represents a critical opportunity for early-stage explorers to access capital, expertise, and a global network that can significantly accelerate their projects and contribute to the secure supply of critical minerals.