BHP Billiton has officially launched the second round of its Exploration Acceleration Program (Xplor), which will select a group of junior exploration companies to invest in key mineral exploration. Under the six-month exploration acceleration program, selected exploration companies receive $500,000 in funding, in-kind services, mentoring and training, and the opportunity to share a network of suppliers and service providers with BHP Billiton. The program is open for applications from August 23 to October 11. It is understood that in January this year, BHP Billiton selected seven nickel and copper exploration companies as the first partners, including Australian-listed Nordic Nickel, Parker Minerals and Kinross Mining, as well as unlisted companies Tutumi Metals, Asian Battery Metals, Red Bull Copper and Bronster Exploration.
