BQE Water Signs 20-year Contract with BC Government for Operation & Maintenance of Britannia Mine Water Treatment Plant

Executive Summary

• BQE Water Inc. was awarded a 20‑year operations and maintenance contract by the British Columbia government for the Britannia Mine Water Treatment Plant, commencing January 13 2026.
• The agreement represents the largest contract in BQE’s history and adds a high‑profile, long‑term revenue stream to its portfolio of mine‑water treatment services.
• The scope includes staffing an on‑site team of six, implementing a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), and executing capital upgrades, with a cost‑saving sharing provision that could further enhance profitability.

Key Details

• Contract Term: 20 years, starting 13 January 2026.
• Scope of Work: Full operation and maintenance of the Britannia Mine Water Treatment Plant (treats ~4–5 million m³/yr of mine‑impacted water; removes ~600 tonnes of heavy metals annually).
• Staffing Requirements: On‑site team of six personnel, including two supervisors, supported by local engineers, technicians, and automation specialists.
• Technology Implementation: Deployment of a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to reduce life‑cycle costs and operational risk.
• Capital Projects: Planned upgrades/replacements of existing plant infrastructure over the contract term.
• Cost‑Saving Mechanism: Contract includes a provision to share any operating cost reductions achieved by BQE with the provincial government, relative to historic baseline costs.
• Strategic Significance: Described by President & CEO David Kratochvil as “the largest contract signed by the company in its history,” underscoring a material positive development for revenue and market positioning.

Notable Quotes

“We are honoured to be entrusted by the Province of British Columbia with the operation of this important asset that protects a coastal ecosystem.” – David Kratochvil, President & CEO, BQE Water
“From the corporate perspective, this is the largest contract signed by the company in its history.” – David Kratochvil