Eksplorium Journal Alert: Strong Evidence Points to Predatory Clone Operation
⚠️ URGENT WARNING
Eksplorium journal is showing multiple red flags of being a predatory clone journal. Researchers report publication fees of $700-800 WITHOUT peer review. Exercise extreme caution before submitting manuscripts.
Executive Summary of Findings
Our investigation into Eksplorium journal has uncovered disturbing evidence suggesting this publication is operating as a predatory clone journal. The journal, which claims to focus on nuclear minerals and geology, appears to be exploiting researchers through several deceptive practices.
Detailed Investigation Results
1. Publication Fees Without Peer Review
Multiple researchers have reported that Eksplorium is accepting papers without any peer review process while charging authors between $700-800 for publication. This practice is a hallmark characteristic of predatory journals that prioritize profit over scientific integrity.
2. Inflated Impact Factor Claims
The journal website claims an impact factor of 3.42, which our investigation reveals to be significantly exaggerated. This misleading metric is designed to attract unsuspecting researchers looking for reputable publication venues.
3. ISSN Portal Information vs. Reality
4. Web of Science Master Journal List Discrepancies
| WoS Claims | Reality | Red Flag Level |
|---|---|---|
| Publishes geology research | Current issue contains off-topic papers | HIGH |
| Provides DOIs | Current papers have NO DOIs | CRITICAL |
| First published in 1978 | Domain is only 1 month old | CRITICAL |
5. Suspicious Website Behavior
When attempting to access archived content, users encounter a paywall message: “This page contains archived journal content and is accessible exclusively to active subscribers.” This is highly unusual for an open-access journal indexed in DOAJ.
Clone Journal Indicators
- Domain Age Mismatch: The website domain was registered only 1 month and 11 days ago, while claiming to have published since 1978
- Missing DOIs: Despite Web of Science indicating DOI assignment, current papers lack this critical identifier
- Subject Matter Confusion: Listed under “Religion/Theology” in ISSN portal but claims to publish geology/nuclear minerals research
- Paywall for “Open Access”: Contradictory access model suggesting deceptive practices
⚠️ CONCLUSION: CONFIRMED PREDATORY CLONE
Based on overwhelming evidence, we conclude that the current Eksplorium journal website is operating as a predatory clone journal. The combination of:
- No peer review while charging substantial fees
- Fake impact factor claims
- Brand new domain masquerading as established journal
- Missing DOIs and contradictory access policies
…clearly indicates this is NOT the legitimate Eksplorium journal but rather a sophisticated scam targeting researchers.
Recommendations for Researchers
- DO NOT SUBMIT manuscripts to this journal
- WARN COLLEAGUES about this predatory operation
- REPORT to your institution’s research integrity office
- CHECK Think. Check. Submit. before choosing any journal
- VERIFY journal websites through official publisher channels
How to Identify Journal Clones
This case of Eksplorium serves as a textbook example of journal cloning. Key warning signs include:
- Recently registered domains for “established” journals
- Discrepancies between database listings and actual content
- Missing or fake DOIs
- Unrealistic publication fees without peer review
- Inflated or fabricated impact factors