Aquirian readies technology-enabled Drillforce fleet for Brightstar launch

Drillforce moves towards $48 million Lord Byron contract

Aquirian Limited (ASX:AQN) has entered FY27 with its largest operational test now approaching: mobilising Drillforce to Brightstar Resources’ Lord Byron project in October under a contract valued at approximately $48 million over three years.

The mobilisation sits within an initial five-year Strategic Framework Agreement covering Brightstar’s Goldfields Hub, including the Lady Shenton and Cork Tree Well projects. Aquirian says preparations during the first quarter included rig and support-equipment readiness, operating and technology systems, workforce planning and site mobilisation.

The contract was announced earlier this year as a three-year drilling and blasting opportunity for Drillforce. The current update adds evidence of preparation rather than new financial guidance: Aquirian has not disclosed quarterly revenue, earnings, margins or cash flow in the announcement.

Wubin upgrade lifts licensed production capacity

At the Western Energetics business, Aquirian completed its planned Wubin upgrade within budget, increasing production and storage capacity to the facility’s licensed limit of 110,000 tonnes per annum. The company says the changes provide greater operating flexibility and support a wider customer and product mix.

The facility’s earlier expansion was part of Aquirian’s effort to build out its energetics platform, and the Wubin facility commissioning had previously been reported alongside progress in its Collar Keeper technology. Toll manufacturing continued during the quarter; with major works finished, management says the focus has shifted to customer opportunities, product diversification, throughput and utilisation.

Technology rollout reaches operating fleet

Aquirian has integrated its patented Automated Collar Keeper System across the Drillforce fleet, creating a direct opportunity to deploy the technology in production at Lord Byron. The company says the system is intended to support safety, operating efficiency, orebody protection and fragmentation outcomes, although the update provides no operating data demonstrating those outcomes.

Collar Keeper sales remained strong across domestic and international channels, with new customers in Africa contributing to demand. Testing of a second-generation biodegradable Collar Keeper continued during the quarter, with first commercial product expected through Drillforce in the current quarter. That remains subject to the completion of validation.

Execution now matters more than preparation

Managing Director Greg Patching said FY26 established the platforms for the company’s next growth phase, while the first quarter of FY27 was focused on getting those platforms ready for delivery. Aquirian is also pursuing further drilling, energetics and integrated-service tenders, with management saying it is confident of securing contracts similar to Brightstar in the near term.

The immediate proof points are practical: whether Drillforce mobilises safely and on schedule, how quickly the fleet reaches useful utilisation, and whether Wubin’s additional capacity converts into sustained throughput. The next quarter should also show whether the biodegradable Collar Keeper moves from test conditions into repeat commercial sales.