How Will Aquirian’s $5M Boost Transform Wubin and Drill Tech?
Aquirian Limited has secured $5 million in fresh capital to upgrade its Wubin emulsion facility and accelerate commercialization of its innovative Collar Keeper® technology, alongside a new $1.5 million tolling contract.
- Completed $5 million share placement to fund Wubin upgrades
- Commenced emulsion facility enhancements with new project manager
- Secured 12-month tolling agreement generating circa $1.5 million revenue
- Automated Collar Keeper® system nearing production trials
- Expanded Collar Keeper® applicability to Sandvik rigs and developing biodegradable variant
Capital Injection to Accelerate Growth
Aquirian Limited (ASX – AQN) has successfully raised $5 million through a strongly supported share placement, signaling investor confidence in the company’s strategic direction. The funds are earmarked primarily for upgrading the Wubin emulsion facility and fast-tracking the commercialization of its proprietary drilling technology.
Managing Director Greg Patching highlighted that the capital raise not only supports operational enhancements but also underpins key licensing and procurement activities essential for long-term growth. The placement attracted a mix of institutional, industry, and sophisticated investors, reflecting broad market interest in Aquirian’s evolving business model.
Wubin Facility Upgrades and Operational Momentum
The Wubin emulsion facility, a critical asset for Aquirian’s energetics division, has commenced significant upgrades under the stewardship of newly appointed project manager Richard Powell. With over 25 years of industry experience, Powell’s leadership is expected to drive productivity improvements and operational excellence.
Recent milestones include the first quad road train shipment from Wubin to the Pilbara, underscoring the facility’s strategic logistics advantage. Productivity gains were evident in June 2025, supported by both quad and triple road train configurations. Aquirian has also secured a 12-month tolling agreement with a global mining services company, anticipated to generate approximately $1.5 million in revenue, further validating the facility’s market relevance.
Advancing Innovative Drill and Blast Technology
On the technology front, Aquirian’s patented Collar Keeper® system continues to gain traction. The manual version has been adapted for use on Sandvik track rigs, expanding its market reach beyond Epiroc platforms. Meanwhile, the automated Collar Keeper® system is in the final stages of workshop testing, with production trials imminent.
This technology promises to enhance drill operator safety by enabling hole protection without leaving the cab, improve drill hole quality, and reduce plastic waste. The company is also developing a biodegradable variant of the Collar Keeper®, aligning with growing environmental and sustainability expectations in mining operations.
Strategic Review and Future Outlook
To maximize the potential of the Wubin facility, Aquirian’s board has initiated a 90-day strategic review led by directors David Kelly and Adrian Mason. The review aims to explore opportunities to accelerate growth and operational efficiency, with findings expected in early Q2 FY2026.
With a solid order book for its Maglok® energetics storage solutions and ongoing tender activities in Western Australia, Aquirian is positioning itself as a leader in integrated drill and blast services. The company’s Bootless Bench® vision, combining automation and sustainability, could represent a transformative step for the mining sector.
Bottom Line?
Aquirian’s recent capital raise and operational strides set the stage for a pivotal year ahead as it advances its technology and expands its footprint in mining services.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the strategic review reshape the Wubin facility’s growth trajectory?
- What impact will the automated Collar Keeper® system have on market adoption and revenues?
- When can investors expect commercial rollout of the biodegradable Collar Keeper® variant?
