Aquirian Secures $48 Million Drillforce Contract with Brightstar Resources

Aquirian (ASX: AQN) has secured a three year drilling and energetics services contract through its subsidiary Drillforce with Brightstar Resources (ASX: BTR) for its Lord Byron open pit mine in Western Australia. The agreement represents a key milestone in Aquirian’s efforts to grow the client list for its technology-led mining services offering.

Long-Term Contract Secured at Goldfields Hub
The Lord Byron agreement is valued at approximately $48 million in projected revenue and will commence in September 2026. It forms part of a broader Strategic Framework Agreement between Aquirian and Brightstar, covering potential future work across the Goldfields Hub operations.

Under the contract, Drillforce will deliver drilling and blasting services, including energetics supply, logistics, and associated technical support.

Aquirian Managing Director Greg Patching commented:

“I’m extremely pleased to announce that Aquirian has executed the SFA and Lord Byron supply agreement with Brightstar. Through this collaborative partnership, we will deliver a unique technology package via Drillforce, utilising our patented automated Collar Keeper® systems. Our vertically integrated model to Brightstar includes our Energetics package, support for resourcing, training and technical services which showcases our service capability.”

Technology-Led Service Offering
The contract will utilise Aquirian’s proprietary technology, including its automated Collar Keeper® systems, alongside a vertically integrated model combining drilling, energetics, and technical services. This approach is designed to enhance safety, improve fragmentation, and optimise downstream processing outcomes for mining operations.

Strategic Partnership with Growth Potential
The agreement sits within a broader five-year Strategic Framework Agreement, with options to extend, supporting potential expansion across multiple open pit projects within Brightstar’s Goldfields Hub. The framework establishes a pathway for Aquirian to provide similar services across additional sites as development progresses.

Supporting Operational Efficiency
Brightstar highlighted the alignment between Aquirian’s offering and its focus on productivity, cost efficiency, and consistent ore delivery. The partnership is expected to support improved blast performance and operational optimisation across the mine.

Positioned for Expansion
The contract marks Aquirian’s second long-term technology-driven agreement and reinforces its strategy to scale its integrated mining services platform. With exposure to multiple potential projects under the broader agreement, the Company is well positioned to expand its footprint across Western Australia’s Goldfields region.