How Could Aquirian's (ASX:AQN) Drill and Blast Selection Expand Its Mid-West Work?

Sonal Goyal

04 November 2026 11:37 AM AEDT

How Could Aquirian's (ASX:AQN) Drill and Blast Selection Expand Its Mid-West Work?

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Key Highlights

Drillforce has been selected as preferred supplier for drill and blast services at SMS Mining Services' Mid-west Hub.
The initial mining scope term is 24 months and is valued at approximately A$32 million.
The work will use three Drillforce rigs and site infrastructure, with works expected to commence in the January quarter 2027.
The contract is under final negotiation within a Strategic Framework Agreement covering site schedules.

Aquirian Limited (ASX:AQN) has announced that its Wholly Owned Subsidiary Drillforce has been selected by SMS Mining Services as preferred supplier for drill and blast services at its Mid-west Hub, in an announcement dated 4 November 2026. The company describes the selection as a step into SMS Mining's expansion in the mid-west region of Western Australia.

Scope of the Contract

The scope includes full drilling and blasting services, using Aquirian's technology and energetics package. The initial mining scope term runs for 24 months and is valued at approximately A$32 million, based on three Drillforce rigs and site infrastructure.

The contract will be performed under a Strategic Framework Agreement with site schedules, and the company notes that terms are currently under final negotiation.

The contract is structured under a Strategic Framework Agreement, which sets out the broader working relationship while site schedules are finalised. The release describes the arrangement as currently in final negotiation, so the commercial terms may still change before execution.

Location and Timing

The Mid-west Hub is located on the Great Northern Highway, about 200 kilometres north of Western Energetics' Wubin facility. The company says this proximity allows it to use internal supply, resourcing and regional support.

Works are expected to commence in the January quarter 2027. The announcement does not give a Revenue or Margin estimate for the contract.

The Mid-west Hub's location supports the company's existing infrastructure in the region, including its Wubin facility. The release presents this proximity as a reason for internal Supply and resourcing, and the company says the hub provides a platform for further growth projects.

Technology and Selection Basis

The company says its patented technology was central to the selection. It states that the approach removes the traditional collar piping that has affected operations in the past.

The release also notes that the Mid-west Hub gives SMS and Drillforce a platform to accommodate additional growth projects in the future, and that Aquirian is committed to the region.

The patented technology is central to the company's account of the selection, since it removes collar piping that the company says has affected past operations. The release does not give technical data or performance measures for the technology in this announcement.

Contract Structure and Terms

The release describes the contract in terms of scope, term and value, with the initial mining scope set at 24 months. The announcement does not specify payment terms, pricing per metre or the scope of any extension. The use of three rigs and site infrastructure indicates the operating commitment the company expects to deliver under the contract. Investors and readers will be able to assess the revenue contribution once the contract is executed and the terms are disclosed.

Final Word

The announcement describes a preferred-supplier position for a contract that is still being finalised. Terms may change before execution, and the release does not include revenue, margin or Cash Flow figures for Aquirian. The timing of works and the final contract value will become clearer as the Strategic Framework Agreement is completed.

FAQs

Q: Who selected Drillforce?

A: SMS Mining Services selected Drillforce as preferred supplier for drill and blast services.

Q: What is the contract worth?

A: The initial 24-month mining scope is valued at approximately A$32 million.

Q: Has the contract been signed?

A: It is under final negotiation within a Strategic Framework Agreement.

Q: When does the work start?

A: Works are expected to commence in the January quarter 2027.

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