How RocketDNA’s Autonomous Drones Are Transforming Global Mining Operations
RocketDNA reported steady revenue for the June 2025 quarter while significantly expanding its autonomous drone services across Australia, Africa, and Papua New Guinea. New contracts and operational milestones underscore its growing footprint in mining and government sectors.
- Revenue steady at $1.665 million, slight year-on-year decline due to legacy contract completion
- 97% increase in autonomous drone flights in Australia quarter-on-quarter
- New contracts secured in Australia’s Bowen Basin and with Vault Minerals
- International deployments expanded with multiple xBot® units delivered to DRC and PNG trials
- Remote Operating Centre (ROC) in Perth now fully operational enabling 24/7 autonomous flights
Steady Revenue Amid Strategic Growth
RocketDNA Ltd (ASX, RKT) closed the June 2025 quarter with revenue of $1.665 million, maintaining a consistent performance compared to the previous quarter but reflecting a 4% decrease from the same period last year. This slight dip is attributed to the planned conclusion of several legacy contracts in Africa, offset by robust growth in Australia and increased hardware and service sales.
Despite the modest revenue decline, the company’s operational metrics tell a story of rapid expansion and deepening customer engagement. Autonomous drone flights in Australia nearly doubled, rising 97% quarter-on-quarter, as existing clients increased flight frequency and leveraged RocketDNA’s automated data processing capabilities.
Expanding Footprint in Mining and Government Sectors
RocketDNA’s xBot® platform continues to gain traction among Tier-1 mining operators. Notably, BHP’s Prominent Hill mine in South Australia transitioned to daily automated tailings dam monitoring flights, demonstrating the platform’s operational maturity. Additionally, a new trial commenced at a Tier-1 coal mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, marking RocketDNA’s first major deployment in that prolific mining region.
The company also secured an 18-month aerial data services contract with Vault Minerals for the King of the Hills gold mine in Western Australia, valued at approximately $705,000 total contract value. This deal combines autonomous flight operations with RocketDNA’s SiteTube® software, which integrates real-time GIS data visualization and automated reporting, further embedding the company’s technology into customer workflows.
Government infrastructure surveillance is another growth avenue, with RocketDNA launching a second major government security site in early July, expanding its presence in public sector applications.
Global Deployments and Technological Advancements
Internationally, RocketDNA delivered three additional xBot® units to Kamoa Copper in the Democratic Republic of Congo, following a successful initial deployment in December 2024. The company also completed two stages of a conveyor monitoring trial at a Papua New Guinea mine, using infrared drone data to support predictive maintenance, a clear example of how autonomous drones are transforming operational efficiency in mining.
Looking ahead, RocketDNA received a purchase order from Millennial Potash for its largest drone-based LiDAR survey to date, covering over 150 square kilometers in Gabon, Africa. This project underscores RocketDNA’s growing expertise in navigating international regulatory environments and delivering complex aerial data services globally.
Remote Operating Centre Enables Scalable Autonomous Operations
A key enabler of RocketDNA’s growth is its newly commissioned Remote Operating Centre (ROC) in Perth, which is now fully operational 24/7. This facility allows for remote piloting and autonomous mission management across multiple geographies, supporting Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations in compliance with Australian aviation regulations.
The ROC centralizes control and monitoring of xBot® systems, enhancing service scalability and operational efficiency while reducing the need for on-site personnel. This infrastructure investment positions RocketDNA to accelerate its transition towards recurring, high-margin software and data processing revenue streams.
Strategic Advisory Board and Financial Position
Post-quarter, RocketDNA announced the formation of a Strategic Advisory Board featuring industry veterans from capital markets, automation, and clean energy sectors. This move aims to bolster the company’s strategic direction as it pursues global commercial partnerships and revenue scaling.
Financially, the company ended the quarter with $1.744 million in cash, down from $2.85 million at the end of March, reflecting increased operating and investing cash outflows related to ROC fit-out and xBot® equipment investments. Net cash used in operations rose due to timing of customer receipts, while financing activities provided a modest inflow through loans and leasing arrangements.
RocketDNA’s management remains confident in the company’s trajectory, highlighting strong customer validation through contract renewals, outright purchases, and expanding flight hours across multiple sites.
Bottom Line?
RocketDNA’s expanding global footprint and operational scaling signal a promising growth phase, though investors will watch cash flow dynamics closely as the company invests in infrastructure and international deployments.
Questions in the middle?
- How will RocketDNA manage cash flow and capital needs amid ongoing investments and international expansion?
- What is the timeline for converting current trials into long-term contracts, particularly in new regions like the Bowen Basin and government sectors?
- How will the Strategic Advisory Board influence RocketDNA’s strategy for scaling recurring software revenue and global partnerships?
