Applications open for BHP Xplor 2026, offering US$500,000 equity-free and global support

BHP Xplor has opened applications for its 2026 cohort. The nine-month accelerator supports early-stage explorers working to discover the critical minerals the world needs. Successful applicants receive US$500,000 equity-free, access to expert mentors, and connections across BHP’s global supplier and service network.

Now entering its fourth year, BHP Xplor is inviting individuals, private companies and public companies to apply. The program helps explorers move faster, reduce risk, and build durable partnerships. The alumni network now includes 21 companies, creating a strong peer community for ongoing learning and collaboration.

Tim O’Connor, BHP’s Group Exploration Officer, said:

  “Xplor has quickly become a recognised 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.”

For BHP, Xplor provides an opportunity to engage with a diverse pipeline of exploration projects across new geographies and geological concepts, supporting the company’s long-term growth ambitions.

Key details

• Cohort: BHP Xplor 2026
• Program length: Nine months
• Funding: US$500,000 equity-free
• Applications: Open 8 September to 15 October 2025, closing at 6:00 pm AWST
• Who should apply: Early-stage explorers, ready to accelerate technical and commercial progress
• Learn more and apply: bhp.com/xplor

Sponsored content provided by BHP Xplor.