MACA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Aquirian for the development and commercialisation of the Collar Keeper blasthole quality control system.
While MACA is a Tier 1 contracting group for mining and construction services with more than 3000 employees, Aquirian is an emerging mining services specialist.
Aquirian’s subsidiary TBS Mining Solutions is the company behind Collar Keeper and will be responsible for all design, engineering, testing and management of the Collar Keeper.
MACA will provide TBS with support and access to equipment in an operating environment, allowing for the real-world development of this transformative product.
The product is used to stabilise blasthole cuttings, collars and preconditioned columns after drilling. Its primary aim is to reduce redrills and improve drilled depth retention.
Aquirian executive director for business development and innovation, Greg Patching, said an MOU with a company of MACA’s size was promising.
“We are thrilled to partner with MACA, and it’s exciting to see our technology pathway take another key step forward in terms of development and commercialisation for our customers, clients and our shareholders,” Patching said.
The binding MOU will see the parties work collaboratively on the Collar Keeper’s development, where TBS puts in the work developing and designing and MACA enables the project with equipment and facilities.
Aquirian was only admitted to the ASX in mid-July, showing the importance of this formative relationship with a major player in the Australian mining industry.
MACA provides mining services to a range of major operations including Pilbara Minerals’ Pilgangoora lithium project, plus four contracts it acquired from Downer Mining in February.
The Aquirian announcement did not disclose which operation would see the testing and development of Collar Keeper, but stated the initial focus would be on mines in Western Australia.
“The current development focus targets approximately 200 operating drill rigs in Western Australian alone when the company starts to commercialise the technology,” Aquirian stated.