How Aquirian’s $4.2M Biodegradable Collar Keeper® Deal Could Transform Mining
Aquirian’s subsidiary TBS Mining Solutions has inked a $4.2 million deal with Papyrus Australia to manufacture biodegradable Collar Keeper® products, marking a significant step in sustainable mining practices.
- TBS Mining Solutions signs $4.2 million contract with Papyrus
- Manufacture and supply of biodegradable Collar Keeper® over 3.5 years
- Product supports Aquirian’s Bootless Bench® vision for sustainable mining
- Contract includes option to extend for an additional 3 years
- Supply expected to start late Q4 FY26, pending trial acceptance
Contract Details and Strategic Alignment
Aquirian Limited (ASX – AQN) has announced a pivotal contract through its wholly owned subsidiary, TBS Mining Solutions, with Papyrus Australia Limited (ASX – PPY) for the manufacture and supply of biodegradable Collar Keeper® products. Valued at approximately $4.2 million over an initial 3.5-year term, this agreement supersedes a previously announced binding term sheet and includes an option to extend for a further three years.
The biodegradable Collar Keeper® is designed to enhance blast preparation efficiency, reduce labour on the bench, and improve safety outcomes. Crucially, its biodegradable nature eliminates the need for post-blast retrieval, thereby reducing plastic waste and advancing environmentally responsible mining practices.
Innovation Driving Sustainable Mining
This product is a key component of Aquirian’s Bootless Bench® vision, which aims to revolutionize blasthole quality management by integrating smarter, greener solutions into mining operations. The Collar Keeper® not only protects blastholes during drilling and blasting but also aligns with growing industry demands for sustainability and cost efficiency.
Greg Patching, Managing Director of Aquirian, highlighted the significance of this development – "This is an exciting step forward in our commitment to sustainable innovation with a multi-use biodegradable Collar Keeper® - a greener, smarter alternative for our industry." His comments underscore the company’s strategic focus on reducing environmental impact while maintaining operational excellence.
Partnership with Papyrus and Market Implications
Partnering with Papyrus, a leader in sustainable materials derived from agricultural waste, brings a unique advantage to this initiative. Papyrus’s patented technology transforms banana plantation waste into eco-friendly alternatives to plastics, perfectly complementing TBS’s mining solutions portfolio.
Supply of the biodegradable Collar Keeper® is anticipated to commence in late Q4 FY26, contingent upon successful trial product delivery and acceptance by TBS. This timeline will be critical to watch as it will determine the pace at which revenue recognition and market adoption follow.
Overall, this contract not only expands Aquirian’s product offering but also positions the company at the forefront of sustainable innovation within the mining services sector, potentially setting new industry benchmarks.
Bottom Line?
Aquirian’s biodegradable Collar Keeper® contract signals a promising shift toward greener mining, but trial outcomes will be key to unlocking its full potential.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the trial phase confirm the product’s performance and lead to timely supply commencement?
- How will customers respond to integrating biodegradable Collar Keepers into existing operations?
- Could this partnership with Papyrus pave the way for further sustainable product innovations?
