Aquirian subsidiary Drillforce has been selected as preferred supplier for a proposed 24-month drilling and blasting contract valued at approximately A$32 million. The work is expected to start in the January quarter of 2027, but the Strategic Framework Agreement remains under final negotiation.
- Proposed A$32 million contract over 24 months
- Three Drillforce rigs and site infrastructure to be deployed
- Work expected to commence in the January quarter of 2027
- Strategic Framework Agreement still under final negotiation
- Contract would expand Drillforce’s presence in Western Australia’s Mid-west region
Drillforce selected for proposed A$32 million scope
Aquirian Limited (ASX:AQN) has put another substantial mining-services opportunity in its pipeline, with wholly owned subsidiary Drillforce selected as preferred supplier for SMS Mining Services’ Mid-west Hub operations in Western Australia.
The proposed 24-month mining scope is valued at approximately A$32 million and would use three Drillforce rigs, along with associated site infrastructure. Full drilling and blasting services are included, with work expected to begin in the January quarter of 2027.
Agreement remains subject to final negotiation
The headline value is not yet the same as a fully executed contract. The work would be delivered under a Strategic Framework Agreement, with site schedules still to be settled and the agreement currently under final negotiation. That leaves the final contractual terms and timing as the immediate milestones for Aquirian.
The opportunity would nevertheless give Drillforce a sizeable operating platform in the Mid-west region. Aquirian said the hub is located about 200 kilometres north of its Western Energetics Wubin facility, allowing the company to draw on internal supply, resourcing and regional support.
Patented technology central to supplier selection
Managing Director Greg Patching said Aquirian’s patented technology was central to the selection. He said the package could remove the need for traditional collar piping, which has historically affected operations, while the company’s technology and energetics offering would be used across the scope.
The announcement does not provide margin expectations, capital expenditure requirements or an estimated earnings contribution. The practical test will be whether the framework agreement is finalised, three rigs can be deployed as planned and the proposed January 2027 start converts the preferred-supplier status into operating revenue.
Bottom Line?
The opportunity adds meaningful potential scale, but its investment significance depends first on finalising the framework agreement and then deploying three rigs on schedule.
Questions in the middle?
- When will SMS Mining Services and Aquirian finalise the Strategic Framework Agreement and site schedules?
- What capital, staffing and working-capital requirements will be associated with deploying three Drillforce rigs?
- Will the Mid-west Hub generate additional projects beyond the initial 24-month scope?