On April 15, 2026, Brightstar Resources Limited (ASX: BTR) and Aquirian Limited (ASX: AQN) signed a strategic framework agreement for Aquirian to provide all drilling and blasting services for Brightstar’s open-pit operations at its Goldfields Hub in Western Australia.
Here is a breakdown of the key details of the agreement:
- Contract Structure: The agreement is two-tiered: a 5-year Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) covering all Goldfields Hub mines (with extension options of two years, two years, and one year), plus an initial 3-year supply agreement at the Lord Byron mine specifically.
- Timeline: Operations at the Lord Byron mine are set to begin in September 2026 (2H’CY26).
- Contract Value: The initial 3-year Lord Byron contract is valued at approximately A$48 million.
- Core Technology: The operation will use Aquirian’s proprietary automated Collar Keeper® System on new Epiroc T45 drill rigs.
- Infrastructure: The agreement provides access to Western Australia’s largest independent energetic material manufacturing & storage facility in Wubin.
- Key Benefits: The partnership aims to reduce ore dilution and mining costs, improve ore recovery and processing efficiency, and enhance safety through automation.
Brightstar Managing Director Alex Rovira stated the partnership is focused on “precision, data-driven execution and safety performance” to support “disciplined cost control” and “sustainable production”. The agreement is a key step as Brightstar targets over 75,000 ounces of gold per year from its Goldfields Hub starting in 2027
