Fleet Space Launches Expert-in-Residence Program with Appointment of Former BHP, VP Keenan Jennings
Fleet Space Technologies, a global leader in space-enabled mineral exploration, announced the formation of the company’s Experts-In-Residence (XIR) program which will act as an internal group of industry leading experts that will support and advise Fleet Space’s roadmap to transform mineral exploration globally. The first appointee to the XIR program is Keenan Jennings, who has recently joined the company in an advisory role.
The launch of Fleet Space’s XIR program builds on the company’s global team of in-house geoscientists pushing the boundaries of exploration with advanced R&D and the company’s space-enabled mineral discovery solution ExoSphere by Fleet®. The XIR program will enhance Fleet Space’s efforts to ensure the design of its technologies deliver practical solutions that are tailored to the needs of global exploration customers as the mining sector continues to evolve.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Keenan Jennings to the Fleet Space crew, and launch our XIR program to propel our ascendancy to the forefront of mining innovation globally,” said CEO and Co-Founder Flavia Tata Nardini. “As we chart a new course for the mineral exploration industry, humanity must take full advantage of the latest innovations in space technology to accelerate discovery and reduce environmental impact. The road to renewable energy requires a major expansion of critical mineral exploration - and how fast we get there depends on our commitment to innovation, speed, sustainability, and building a brighter world for future generations.”
Keenan Jennings is a lifelong explorer with an extensive career working on the technological frontier of mineral exploration, leading geochemical and geophysical research programs, in addition to driving the development of ML-enabled search space analysis. Prior to joining Fleet Space, he was Vice President of Metals Exploration at BHP, where he led the firm’s global exploration efforts. Over the course of his career, he has been directly involved with discoveries in Australia (copper, zinc), Chile (copper-gold), Argentina (gold), Mongolia (copper), and the United States (copper), among others. He also served on the internal board for BHP Xplor, a junior exploration incubator to expand the search space for discovery. Keenan also held roles as Exploration Manager at Rio Tinto for Mongolia and China before becoming the General Manager of Oyu Tolgoi, building the geological capabilities of the mine.
“Looking at the array of challenges facing humanity - from climate change to supply chain complexity to global decarbonisation efforts - it is undeniable that we must discover and deliver higher volumes of critical minerals to drive the renewable energy transition,” added Fleet Space Advisor, Keenan Jennings. “I’m honored to join Fleet Space to help build a more sustainable path to scale mineral discovery globally and find new solutions to old problems with the company’s groundbreaking space-enabled exploration solution, ExoSphere, and patented seismic technology offerings.”
ExoSphere has rapidly become an essential tool used by the global exploration industry. Over 35 companies - including Rio Tinto, Core Lithium, Barrick Gold, and many others - have used the technology to complete hundreds of surveys across five continents. The widespread adoption was a driving force behind Fleet Space’s exponential growth leading into 2024. In the previous year, the company completed a A$50 million Series C funding round, doubled its valuation to A350$ million, and was named Australia’s fastest growing company.