RocketDNA Wins $580K Contract to Deploy Seven Autonomous Drones in South Africa
RocketDNA has landed a significant contract with Anglo American’s Kumba Iron Ore to supply and integrate seven autonomous drone systems at the Sishen Mine, marking a key step in expanding AI-driven mining technology in Africa.
- Order for seven xBot autonomous drone systems at Sishen Mine
- Contract valued at approximately A$580,000
- Includes delivery, integration, training, and control room setup
- Partnership with Anglo American’s Kumba Iron Ore, a Tier-1 mining operation
- Delivery scheduled before end of December 2025
RocketDNA’s Strategic Win in Mining Tech
RocketDNA Ltd (ASX, RKT), a specialist in AI-powered drone solutions, has secured a new contract with Kumba Iron Ore Limited, a subsidiary of global mining giant Anglo American Plc. The deal involves supplying and integrating seven of RocketDNA’s autonomous xBot drone systems at the Sishen Mine in South Africa, one of the continent’s most advanced iron ore operations.
The order, valued at approximately ZAR 6.56 million (around A$580,000), encompasses more than just hardware delivery. RocketDNA will also handle system integration, operator training, and the establishment of an on-site control room to centralize drone flight operations and data management. This comprehensive scope highlights the company’s commitment to providing end-to-end autonomous drone solutions tailored to complex mining environments.
Implications for Mining Automation
This contract underscores the growing confidence among Tier-1 mining companies in autonomous drone technology to enhance operational efficiency and safety. By deploying xBot systems, Kumba Iron Ore aims to leverage AI-driven data collection and remote operations, reducing reliance on manual surveying and inspection tasks in challenging mine conditions.
RocketDNA’s Managing Director and CEO, Christopher Clark, emphasized the significance of this partnership, describing it as a major milestone toward scaling autonomous drone operations globally. The collaboration with Anglo American’s Kumba Iron Ore not only validates RocketDNA’s technology but also positions the company as a key player in the evolving landscape of mining automation.
Looking Ahead
Delivery and commissioning of the xBot systems are expected before the end of the current financial year, December 31, 2025. The successful rollout at Sishen Mine could pave the way for further contracts within Anglo American’s global operations and other major mining companies seeking to modernize their data acquisition and operational workflows.
RocketDNA’s presence in both Australia and Africa, combined with its growing portfolio of Tier-1 mining clients, suggests a strategic focus on expanding autonomous drone deployments in key resource sectors. This latest order reinforces the company’s trajectory toward becoming a global leader in drone-based mining technology services.
Bottom Line?
RocketDNA’s latest contract with Kumba Iron Ore signals accelerating adoption of autonomous drones in mining, with delivery milestones to watch closely.
Questions in the middle?
- How will RocketDNA’s xBot systems integrate with existing mine operations at Sishen?
- Could this contract lead to expanded deployments across Anglo American’s other mining sites?
- What are the long-term revenue implications for RocketDNA from this and similar orders?
