Brightstar Resources (ASX: BTR) has signed a strategic framework agreement with Aquirian (ASX: AQN) covering drilling and energetics services for open-pit mining across its Goldfields Hub in Western Australia.
The deal sets an initial term of up to five years for the broader hub, and is backed by an initial three-year supply agreement with Aquirian subsidiary Drillforce WA for the Lord Byron open-pit mine, where operations are targeted to begin in the second half of calendar 2026.
For Brightstar, the agreement adds a specialist drill and blast partner to a Goldfields production plan that is already targeting more than 75,000 ounces per annum over six years from June quarter calendar 2027.
For Aquirian, it delivers a second long-term technology-led contract and projected revenue of about $48 million from the initial Lord Byron term.
Lord Byron First Goldfields Hub Site
Brightstar’s initial site agreement covers all open pit drilling and energetics services for Lord Byron under the wider Goldfields Hub framework, making it the first mine to move into execution under the strategic agreement.
The broader Goldfields Hub scope spans the proposed Lord Byron, Cork Tree Well, and Lady Shenton open pits, with the framework agreement structured on an initial five-year basis and extension options of two years, two years, and one year on a mutual basis.
Aquirian expects the Lord Byron contract to start on 1 September 2026, with services to include drill and blast operations using its technology platform, energetics supply, and logistics, including storage and reload facilities, together with related support services.
Aquirian estimates the assets required for the Lord Byron contract at about $6m and says it already owns roughly 75% of the required equipment, including two T45 drill rigs and site reload facility equipment, with the remainder to be funded through cash and existing debt facilities.
Targeting Ore Control And Cost Discipline
A key part of the value proposition for Brightstar is Drillforce’s proprietary automated Collar Keeper system fitted to new Epiroc T45 drill and blast rigs, which both companies say is designed to improve precision through the drill and blast cycle.
Brightstar expects the system to help balance fragmentation and ore preservation, with the aim of reducing mining dilution, improving revenue, lowering costs, and lifting ore recovery across its open pit operations.
The company also pointed to better dig productivity, lower load and haul costs and reduced use of PVC piping in blast holes, which is expected to cut direct costs and reduce the risk of blockages and crusher downtime in the processing circuit.
Aquirian believes its vertically integrated model also improves operator safety by reducing the amount of time personnel spend outside the rig through in-cab operation, while supporting more consistent material movement and ore delivery through data-driven blast execution.
Broader Growth Plans Supported
Brightstar managing director Alex Rovira said the partnership aligned with the company’s focus on whole-of-mine optimisation and should support stronger blast performance, tighter cost control and more reliable production outcomes across the Goldfields Hub.
Brightstar continues to assess options to increase the size of the Lord Byron open pit beyond the scale outlined in the DFS 2.0 mine plan, pointing to potential upside within the current development pathway.
Aquirian managing director Greg Patching said the contract showcases the company’s ability to combine technology, energetics, resourcing, training, and technical services in a single package aligned with mine productivity, ore recovery, and lower operating risk.
The strategic framework agreement remains conditional on Brightstar making a final investment decision to proceed with the development, construction, and / or operation of its Goldfields Hub, but both parties have now set the foundations for a longer-term operating relationship across one of Brightstar’s core growth centres.
