BHP Invent announces the Ore Body Knowledge (OBK) Accelerator cohort

BHP Invent has announced the next cohort of innovators selected for the Ore Body Knowledge Accelerator Program, bringing together eight companies with capabilities spanning sensing, data integration, AI, automation, geoscience and subsurface characterisation.

What is Ore Body Knowledge (OBK)?

Ore Body Knowledge is the process of understanding what is underground, including where valuable minerals are, how rich the ore is, how the rock behaves, and what waste or impurities are present, so mining companies can make better decisions about where to mine, how to process material, and how to reduce cost, waste and risk.

The program has selected eight trailblazing companies that have harnessed the power of sensing, data, analytics and automation to advance faster, safer and more informed ore body decision making across the mining value chain.

Image: One of the selected companies, Strayos, applies advanced algorithms to traditionally manual mining tasks, including drill and blast activities.

The 2025–26 Ore Body Knowledge cohort will work with BHP Invent to explore how their technologies can be tested, validated and applied against real operational challenges, using BHP samples, data sets and technical input.

Unearthed involvement within the Ore Body Knowledge project

Unearthed partnered with BHP Invent to run the OBK Innovation Challenge, supporting BHP to identify relevant technologies and companies for entry into the OBK cohort. The challenge was in market from February to May 2025 and included program design, targeted innovator attraction, market engagement, and initial screening.

The eight selected innovators are:

Strayos - AI-driven mine intelligence platform
Strayos uses drone and LiDAR survey data to generate mine models, improve drill and blast outcomes via synthesised reports and compliance outputs, including historical comparisons to support improved operational reporting and decision-making.

Southern Innovation - Near real-time X-ray transmission spectroscopy
Southern Innovation is developing novel X-ray transmission spectroscopy technology capable of providing rapid material measurements, supporting faster insight into ore characteristics.

Geopyora - Ore hardness characterisation
Geopyora combines small-sample breakage testing with AI-driven modelling to predict comminution parameters and improve understanding of ore hardness across the value chain.

Spectral Industries - LIBS-based ore quality sensing
Spectral Industries applies Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) sensing to generate enhanced insight into ore quality, with potential applications in grade control and material classification.

MinersAI - AI-enabled data aggregation and predictive modelling
MinersAI uses artificial intelligence to aggregate, standardise and interpret diverse data types, helping improve data quality and build predictive models for better technical decision-making.

Vibrometric - Advanced cross-hole seismic imaging
Vibrometric uses advanced cross-hole seismic imaging to generate higher-resolution 3D subsurface images, supporting improved understanding of geological structures and ore body conditions.

IMDEX - Integrated solution development and technology frameworking
IMDEX will support the cohort as an integrated solution developer, helping build and apply frameworks that connect individual technologies into broader ore body knowledge solutions.

ThingWave - Underground sensor integration
ThingWave integrates sensor data and connectivity to support smarter, more automated decision-making in complex operating environments.
 

Over the coming months, the selected teams will work with BHP Invent to develop their technologies against defined use cases, supported by technical mentoring, access to relevant BHP data and samples, and opportunities to engage with internal experts across the business.

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