RocketDNA Ltd has secured a $1 million contract extension from BHP Mitsubishi Alliance to continue its autonomous drone operations in the Bowen Basin until October 2026, reinforcing its position in mining tech.
- Contract extension worth approximately $1 million
- Operations continue through October 2026
- Deployment among Australia's largest autonomous drone programs
- Ongoing use of xBot® drone fleet with Skylink® and SiteTube® software
- Sustains revenue and operational momentum in mining sector
Significant Contract Extension with BMA
RocketDNA Ltd (ASX:RKT) has locked in purchase orders totalling about $1 million from BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) to extend its autonomous drone operations across the Bowen Basin coal mines for at least the next three months, through to October 2026. This extension maintains the current scope and pace of operations, underscoring the sustained demand for RocketDNA’s drone services in one of Australia’s key mining regions.
One of Australia’s Largest Autonomous Drone Deployments
The contract extension keeps alive one of the country’s largest continuous autonomous drone programs, leveraging RocketDNA’s signature xBot® drone fleet. These drones operate with support from the company’s proprietary Skylink® operating system and SiteTube® platform, which manage mission control and data delivery respectively. The ongoing deployment highlights the growing integration of autonomous technologies in mining operations, aiming to improve efficiency and safety.
Continuity Amidst Growth and Software Integration
RocketDNA’s continued presence at BMA’s Bowen Basin sites follows a period of rapid growth and software integration improvements. Recent company updates revealed a 52% year-on-year revenue increase and the expansion of enterprise xBot® systems, reflecting broader market acceptance of drone-based geodata solutions. The company’s Skylink® OS, now fully deployed across all enterprise clients, supports thousands of monthly active users and thousands of pre-scheduled drone missions, positioning RocketDNA as a technology leader in autonomous mining operations.
Strategic Importance of Autonomous Drone Services
While the announcement does not detail future contract terms beyond October 2026, maintaining this contract with BMA is strategically vital for RocketDNA. It sustains a key revenue stream and operational footprint in a competitive sector where autonomous drone technology is increasingly pivotal. The extension also offers a platform for further innovation and potential scaling of services at BMA and other mining customers.
Bottom Line?
This contract extension cements RocketDNA’s foothold in mining drone operations but leaves open the question of longer-term renewals and expansion beyond October 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- Will RocketDNA secure longer-term contracts beyond October 2026 with BMA or other mining clients?
- How will ongoing software enhancements to Skylink® and SiteTube® influence operational efficiency and client retention?
- What is the potential for RocketDNA to expand its autonomous drone footprint in other mining regions or sectors?