Macmahon lands $792m contract

Brightstar Resources (ASX: BTR) has executed a strategic framework agreement with Aquirian (ASX: AQN) for the supply of all drilling and energetics services at its Goldfields Hub in WA, as the company advances towards near-term production.The agreement has an initial term of up to five years. In addition, Brightstar has initiated a three-year agreement with Aquirian subsidiary Drillforce for the Lord Byron open pit mine. Mining activities at Lord Byron are expected to commence in the second half of CY26.Under the arrangement, Drillforce will deliver an integrated drill and blast solution, incorporating its proprietary Collar Keeper® technology on new Epiroc T45 rigs.Brightstar says the technology is designed to improve blast precision by balancing fragmentation with ore preservation to minimise dilution and enhance recovery.The approach is expected to deliver operational benefits including improved dig productivity, lower load and haul costs and reduced processing disruptions alongside safety improvements including reduced operator exposure during blasting activities.Brightstar managing director Alex Rovira says the agreement aligns with the company’s focus on operational discipline and long-term value creation.“We are excited to be partnering with Aquirian for our open pit drill and blast services for the Goldfields Hub,” he said.“Aquirian’s vertically integrated business provides a strong operational focus on ore preservation during the drill and blast sequence, which is anticipated to deliver material benefits to our open pit mining operations.”Brightstar is targeting first gold production from its Goldfields Hub in mid-2027.

Sandvik secures multi-million-dollar contract with Evolution Sandvik has received a major underground equipment order for deployment at Evolution Mining’s (ASX: EVN) Cowal gold operations in NSW.The order is valued at about $68m and was booked in the fourth quarter of 2025, for the delivery of underground trucks, loaders and drill rigs expected to begin mid-2026 and continue into 2027.In addition to the equipment order, Sandvik will also supply a range of digital solutions, rock tools and consumables, as well as parts, components and related services to support ongoing underground operations.Sandvik mining president Mats Eriksson comments on the deal.“We are pleased to strengthen our relationship with Redpath through this contract, which reflects continued confidence in our underground equipment solutions, and our ability to support productivity, safety and sustainability in complex underground mining operations,” he said.Evolution’s gold operations are a long-life project which comprises both open pit and underground mining operations.

Monadelphous lands major Rio contract Monadelphous (ASX: MND) has been awarded a $300m long-term maintenance services contract with Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO).Under the five-year contract, the company will continue to provide fixed plant and shutdown services, delivering generalist mechanical and access services across Rio Tinto’s iron ore operations in the Pilbara region of WA.Monadelphous managing director Zoran Bebic says the contract award reflects the company’s strong reputation for safe and reliable delivery of maintenance services.“We are delighted to continue supporting Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore operations, where Monadelphous has provided services for more than 30 years,” he said.This comes one week after Monadelphous announced it had secured new construction and maintenance work worth about $110m in total.

Perenti (ASX: PRN) has extended its existing contract with Regis Resources (ASX: RRL) for the provision of underground mining services at the Duketon operations in the Goldfields region of WA.The initial 2024 agreement had a term of three years and a mechanism to extend by a further 12-month period on a rolling basis. The latest contract extension will see Barminco deliver services at Duketon until at least March 30, 2029.Perenti managing director and chief executive Mark Norwell comments on the extension.“This extension reflects the strength of our long-standing relationship with Regis and the consistent performance delivered by our team at Duketon,” he said.Perenti contract mining president Gabrielle Iwanow says she is pleased that Regis and Barminco have agreed to extend the alliance at the Duketon operations.“We have a strong working relationship with Regis and the alliance framework provides ongoing planning certainty for both parties, enabling us to continue delivering safe, reliable production,” she said.“Barminco remains committed to working closely with our clients, both locally and globally, to create long-term value.”The extension will not require any new growth capital, according to Perenti.