RocketDNA has received approximately A$1 million in new binding contracts and purchase orders from existing mining customers, reflecting the expansion of autonomous drone programs across multiple sites.
The new work includes a 12-month order from BHP’s Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) operations for a dual xBot deployment. RocketDNA has also secured a contract renewal and program expansion at Assmang’s Khumani Iron Ore Mine, comprising a further 12-month drone services extension alongside an additional 12-month xBot program. Norton Gold Fields has also placed orders for additional xBot units.
According to the company, the new orders are tied to the scaling of previously deployed autonomous drone systems, as mining operators seek to improve access to geospatial data, automate routine inspection tasks and reduce personnel exposure to hazardous environments.
RocketDNA’s xBot autonomous drone system is now deployed across all Australian states except Tasmania as of mid-December. The company said customers are expanding deployments after initial trials demonstrated productivity improvements and safety benefits. Adoption of RocketDNA’s SiteTube platform has also increased, providing mining teams with real-time access to survey data processed through the company’s cloud-based systems for planning, geotechnical analysis and operational control.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Christopher Clark said the contracts reflect a shift from pilot projects to scaled deployments following regulatory, safety and cybersecurity approvals.
While initial deployments required lengthy assessment processes, Clark said customers are now extending programs once returns are demonstrated, with both additional hardware deployments and greater use of software and data services.
RocketDNA specialises in autonomous drone operations and AI-enabled data services for the resources sector, with a focus on surveying, inspection and operational monitoring across large-scale mining environments.
