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We are now six months into the Xplor 2026 programme and it’s exciting to see our ambitions move into a phase of the project where we can see practical outcomes. Since bringing the cohort together earlier in the year, our 10 companies have progressed into the core delivery phase of the programme, where ideas are tested, plans are refined and momentum starts to build. BHP Xplor is BHP’s early-stage exploration accelerator, now in its fourth year. It supports selected companies with non-dilutive funding, technical expertise, and access to BHP’s global network. Since February we’ve been able to strengthen the cohort’s exploration thinking, improve their ways of execution, and accelerate the path from concept to discovery.

In numbers that looks like: 

• 10 companies across four continents
• 280+ hours of structured capability development delivered
• 100+ one-on-one coaching sessions with technical and operational experts
• 8 specialist technical masterclasses 
• 23 geological datasets reviewed and integrated across the cohort
• 11 targeting frameworks and mineral system models developed or refined
• 16 BHP technical contributors engaged across geology, geochemistry, geophysics and operations

What we are seeing already is encouraging

This year’s cohort spans four continents and includes both early-stage explorers and for the first time includes four exploration technology companies. This means we have an internal ecosystem that can work together on discovery. Together they are advancing new mineral opportunities and sharing learnings on tools to improve how geological data is integrated, interpreted and applied to targeting. That combination is where magic happens as it brings together new ideas in both exploration and the technologies that support discovery.

How the programme is being delivered

Xplor is structured to support companies through a mix of in-person engagement, technical delivery, and ongoing coaching. That includes regular coaching sessions, technical check-ins, leadership support and a program of specialist masterclasses. 

Learning that supports better decisions

Across the cohort, companies are working through core geological problems with direct input from BHP experts.

This includes:

• Reworking structural and architectural interpretations to better define fluid pathways and trap geometries
• Integrating multiple datasets, including geochemistry, geophysics and surface mapping, to improve targeting confidence
• Building and refining mineral system frameworks that link source, pathways and depositional controls
• In practical terms, this means fewer assumptions, stronger drill targeting and better-quality decisions in the field.

Real collaboration in the field

And for an exploration programme to work we’ve got to get out in the field. The BHP team recently spent time on site with Litchfield Minerals at its Oonagalabi project in the Northern Territory. The visit combined operational and technical expertise, with reviews of camp setup, logistics and field execution, alongside targeted ground investigations focused on structural architecture, surface mapping, mineralogical signatures and the integration of field observations with existing datasets and geological models. Our visits to the field are a big undertaking but clearly demonstrate outcomes on how BHP can learn more about the geology and help strengthen our understanding of the opportunity.

For the cohort it helps them strengthen how they operate today, while improving how they think about the opportunity ahead. “BHP Xplor is helping reshape how we approach exploration at Oonagalabi. We are asking bigger questions about the full mineral system, while also strengthening the business and operational capability needed to scale as the company grows,” Matthew Pustahya, Managing Director, Litchfield Minerals.

What comes next - 2027 Applications 

As the 2027 programme comes to a close with the investor showcase in New York in September, the 2027 Xplor applications will open on the 31 August 2026. To find out about how you can apply we encourage you to join the Mining Indaba x BHP Xplor webinar on the 27th August 2026, register here to join. As global demand grows for copper and other future-facing commodities, new discoveries will be essential. It requires stronger early-stage companies, better technology, faster learning and partnerships that help good ideas progress sooner. That is the role BHP Xplor is designed to play and we’re excited about playing a part in the next tier 1 discovery.