Sonia Scarselli leads BHP’s robust metals exploration division and BHP’s innovative accelerator program, Xplor, with a focus on creating transformative and collaborative approaches to further expand the company’s future growth options. She was appointed VP of BHP Xplor in June 2022 and her remit was expanded through this new role to include leadership of the exploration organisation in September 2023.

As VP of BHP Xplor, Sonia pioneered the development and successful implementation of Xplor, a minerals exploration accelerator program seeking early-stage critical minerals concepts. This program expands BHP’s search space and complements exploration channels to establish a larger, diversified portfolio that can increase the chance of success for adding new resources.

Since joining BHP in 2012, Sonia has held several leadership positions through her tenure within BHP Petroleum, including: VP of Exploration and Appraisal, Head of Algeria, and Exploration Manager for Trinidad and Tobago.

Sonia started her career at ExxonMobil UK and holds a master’s degree in Geological Science from Università degli studi di Perugia, a PhD in Geology from ETH Zurich and an MBA from the London Business School. She serves as advisor in Deep Energy Capital, LLP, CEOs Against Cancer Chapter, and the AAPG Advisory Council.