RocketDNA (ASX: RKT) has received an order from Anglo American subsidiary Kumba Iron Ore for the supply and integration of seven autonomous xBot systems at the Sishen Mine in South Africa.
The contract, valued at approximately A$580,000, will see the company deliver and commission the systems, provide training for on-site personnel, and establish an on-premises control room for centralised drone operations before year-end.
The new order extends RocketDNA’s long-standing relationship with Anglo American and follows this week’s successful $4 million capital raising to accelerate production of its autonomous drone platforms.
Expanding Tier-1 Mining Portfolio
Chief executive officer Christopher Clark described the deployment as “an incredible opportunity to partner with one of the world’s leading mining companies,” and “a major step toward our goal of enabling autonomous drone data operations across Tier-1 mining customers on a global scale.”
The Sishen installation will expand RocketDNA’s footprint across Africa, where it provides aerial mapping, inspection, and surveillance services for mining and infrastructure clients.
RocketDNA expects delivery of the seven xBot systems to Kumba Iron Ore before 31 December 2025, adding to a growing pipeline of projects across Australia and Africa.
The company said the order demonstrates the scalability of its fully automated drone technology and reinforces confidence in its ability to support large, multi-site operations within the world’s major mining groups.
The integration of autonomous drone fleets supports Kumba’s digital transformation strategy, enabling faster, safer and more efficient data collection in large-scale mine environments.
Funding Growth and Technology Deployment
Earlier this week, RocketDNA completed a $4 million placement at 1.5 cents per share to new and existing institutional investors.
The company will direct the proceeds toward production of additional xBot units, development of the company’s Skylink and SiteTube software platforms, and working capital to accelerate deployments across new and existing mining customers.
The placement follows recent Tier-1 contract wins with BHP Mitsubishi Alliance and Gold Fields, underlining strong commercial traction for RocketDNA’s autonomous solutions in the global mining sector.
The company remains focused on expanding adoption of its AI-powered aerial data platforms and building long-term relationships with Tier-1 miners seeking integrated, autonomous drone operations.
