Vault Minerals Bets on Automation: What Risks Does RocketDNA’s New Contract Pose?
RocketDNA has secured an 18-month contract with Vault Minerals to provide advanced aerial data services at the King of the Hills gold operation, integrating its latest autonomous drone technology and automated data processing.
- 18-month contract with Vault Minerals at King of the Hills gold mine
- Inclusion of RocketDNA’s remote autonomous xBot® drone operations
- Automated data processing integrated with existing drone services
- Estimated contract value of approximately A$705,000
- Strengthened partnership following a prior 3-year contract
Contract Renewal and Expansion
RocketDNA Ltd (ASX – RKT) has announced a significant contract extension with Vault Minerals Limited (ASX – VAU), securing an 18-month agreement to continue providing aerial data services at the King of the Hills (KOTH) gold operation in Western Australia. This new contract not only renews their existing relationship but also broadens the scope of services to include RocketDNA’s cutting-edge remote autonomous drone technology, known as xBot®, alongside their established conventional drone operations.
Technological Integration and Operational Advantages
The integration of xBot® drones marks a milestone in automating mining workflows, offering enhanced safety and consistency by reducing the need for on-site personnel during data collection. Complementing this is RocketDNA’s automated data processing workflow, which streamlines the transformation of raw aerial data into actionable insights. These services are supported by the proprietary SiteTube® platform, enabling both on-site and remote operational management from RocketDNA’s hubs in Perth and Adelaide.
Financial and Strategic Implications
The contract carries an estimated total value of approximately A$705,000 over the 18-month term, with an annual recurring revenue projection of around A$470,000. While some services are billed on a usage basis, the agreement reflects Vault Minerals’ confidence in RocketDNA’s technology and service delivery. This deal follows a previous three-year contract signed in mid-2022, underscoring a deepening partnership between the two companies.
Industry Context and Future Prospects
Vault Minerals, an intermediate gold producer with operations in Australia and Canada, has been an early adopter of RocketDNA’s autonomous drone solutions, using the King of the Hills site as a proving ground. The successful deployment of these technologies could position RocketDNA favorably for similar contracts with other mining operators seeking to enhance operational efficiency and data intelligence through automation.
RocketDNA’s expanding footprint in the mining sector, supported by its AI-driven drone services, aligns with broader industry trends towards digital transformation and remote operations. The company’s ability to deliver both conventional and autonomous drone solutions, coupled with automated data workflows, offers a compelling value proposition in a competitive market.
Bottom Line?
RocketDNA’s expanded contract with Vault Minerals signals growing trust in autonomous drone technology as a cornerstone of modern mining operations.
Questions in the middle?
- How will RocketDNA’s autonomous xBot® technology impact operational costs and safety metrics at King of the Hills?
- Can RocketDNA leverage this contract to secure similar deals with other major mining companies?
- What are the scalability prospects for RocketDNA’s automated data processing workflows across different mining sites?
