Aquirian Limited announced it has entered into a technology funding and rental agreement with First Quantum Minerals to fast-track the development of the Collar Keeper® System for use on platform drill rigs, as well as immediate preferential access to the CKS system for their current fleet of crawler rigs. Aquirian has been a service partner of First Quantum Minerals since 2017 and have worked collaboratively on multiple projects across their sites in Africa and Panama. First Quantum Minerals is a foundation customer of the Collar Keeper® Products, which are being used across a number of their sites globally.

Under the agreement, Aquirian will fast-track the development of the CKS for platform drill rigs, commencing immediately. As a valued partner, First Quantum Minerals will contribute a maximum of AUD$1.1m towards this development, with the project expected to take approximately 12 months. Aquirian will also provide First Quantum Minerals with preferential access to the existing CKS Crawler rig system (currently used in Zambia) and the CKS Platform rig system as it becomes available, allowing them to implement them in line with their drill renewal program.

Based on First Quantum Minerals forecasts, it is expected the system will be used on up to 54 drill rigs. As recognition of First Quantum Minerals' support of both the Collar Keeper® product and the Collar Keeper® System, First Quantum Minerals will receive a loyalty discount for the CKS Crawler Rig & Platform Rig systems as they become available for their drill fleet.