ORION MINERALS LIMITED - Orion Minerals selected for BHP Xplors 2026 Accelerator Program

Orion Minerals selected for BHP Xplor’s 2026 Accelerator Program

Orion Minerals Limited
Incorporated in the Commonwealth of Australia
Australian Company Number 098 939 274
ASX share code: ORN
JSE share code: ORN
ISIN: AU000000ORN1


Orion Minerals selected for BHP Xplor's 2026 Accelerator Program


-    Orion has been selected to be part of the 2026 BHP Xplor accelerator program.

-    Various South African project companies, in which Orion has an interest, will receive an aggregate of
     US$500,000 in equity-free funding.

-    The BHP Xplor Program provides Orion and its various South African exploration project companies access to
     BHP's global exploration expertise and networks.

-    The BHP Xplor Program will support advancement of geological concepts at Orion's portfolio of exploration
     projects in South Africa's Northern Cape Province.


Orion Minerals Limited (ASX/JSE: ORN) (Orion or the Company) is pleased to announce that a number of its South
African exploration project companies have been selected to join the 2026 BHP Xplor accelerator program
(Program). This year's cohort includes the largest number of exploration and technology projects since the
Program began in 2023, reflecting strong global interest in progressing early-stage concepts for future-facing
commodities.

As part of the Program, a number of Orion's South African exploration project companies will receive an
aggregate equity-free grant of US$500,000, access to BHP's technical specialists and structured support to
advance geological concepts at its Northern Cape Exploration projects in South Africa.

Orion's flagship Prieska Copper Zinc Mine and the New Okiep Mining Company 'Flat Mines Project' are not
participants in the Program, as these projects are further advanced, with development plans in place.

Tony Lennox, Orion Managing Director and CEO said:

"This is a significant milestone for Orion and a strong endorsement of the potential of our Northern Cape
exploration portfolio. Being selected for the 2026 BHP Xplor Program provides access to technical expertise,
experienced mentors and industry perspectives that will help us strengthen our geological understanding and
progress our current program of work. The structure and support available through the Program will assist us in
refining our approach, assessing key uncertainties and building capability within our team in pursuit of new
discoveries. We welcome the opportunity to work with BHP and the other cohort participants over the months
ahead."

Tim O'Connor, BHP Group Exploration Officer, said:

"Orion demonstrated a clear and well-supported geological concept, with potential in a future-facing
commodity. Their technical approach, combined with the capability of their team and their commitment to
disciplined testing, make them a strong addition to this year's cohort. The Xplor program supports early-stage
explorers who are working to progress and mature their concepts. We look forward to supporting Orion as they
advance their work through the Program."

Marley Palin, Head of BHP Xplor, said:

"The exploration companies joining this year's cohort presented concepts supported by well-considered technical
thinking and strong fundamentals. Orion showed a clear commitment to progressing their projects responsibly and
systematically, which aligns with the focus of the Xplor program. Our aim is to provide early-stage explorers with
access to the expertise, tools and guidance needed at this point in their development. We are pleased to
welcome Orion to the 2026 cohort."



For and on behalf of the Board.


Tony Lennox
Managing Director & CEO

2 February 2026


ENQUIRIES

Investors                                Media                                JSE Sponsor
Tony Lennox – Managing Director & CEO    Nicholas Read                        Monique Martinez
Denis Waddell – Chairman                 Read Corporate, Australia            Merchantec Capital
T: +61 (0) 3 8080 7170                   T: +61 (0) 419 929 046               T: +27 (0) 11 325 6363
E: info@orionminerals.com.au             E: nicholas@readcorporate.com.au     E: monique.martinez@merchantec.com

Date: 02-02-2026 08:58:00
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