Company Interview / RocketDNA inks $4M drone deployment deal

Key points:

Rocket DNA completes $4 million capital raise to meet rising demandMajor new orders from BHP’s coal operations and ongoing work with Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO)Unique blend of autonomous drone hardware and proprietary software for mining sectorGrowing international expansion opportunities, with focus on technical hubs and global connectivity

Christopher Clark , CEO of Rocketdna (ASX:RKT) notes that the company has successfully raised approximately $4 million to accelerate its autonomous drone production and software development efforts. This capital injection follows strong recent orders, including a significant contract from BHP’s coal operations in northern Queensland. Clark indicates the funds will enable Rocket DNA to meet its growing order book within the mining sector, as demand rises for its autonomous drone and AI technologies. The raise also attracts more institutional investors, which Clark sees as broadening the company’s support base and growth trajectory.

Clark states that Rocket DNA differentiates itself through its end-to-end solution that combines regulatory-approved autonomous data capture with proprietary software, situ, to analyse and store mining site data. This synergy supports automated decision-making for safety, production, and engineering tasks, streamlining processes and reducing risks for employees. According to Clark, $500,000 of the funds originate from directors and management, demonstrating strong internal conviction in Rocket DNA’s strategy.

Looking ahead, Clark points to continued global expansion. With blue-chip customers such as BHP (ASX:BHP) and Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO), Rocket DNA’s technology, aided by advances in connectivity like Starlink, is positioned for deployment at scale. Clark observes a growing preference among major mining firms for centralised technical hubs, enabling data-driven decisions from locations like Brisbane and Perth