RocketDNA: BMA Contract Extension Supports Autonomous Drone Operations Expansion

Sonal Goyal

07 August 2026 01:35 PM AEST

RocketDNA: BMA Contract Extension Supports Autonomous Drone Operations Expansion

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Key Highlights

RocketDNA has received purchase orders worth approximately $1 million from BHP Mitsubishi Alliance to extend drone operations at Bowen Basin coal mines.
The contract extension continues RocketDNA’s autonomous drone deployment program for a minimum period of three months through October 2026.
Operations will continue using RocketDNA’s xBot fleet alongside Skylink and SiteTube software platforms.
The BMA engagement represents a large-scale autonomous drone deployment supporting mining data and operational requirements.

RocketDNA Ltd (ASX:RKT) was trading at AUD 0.023, down 4.17% or AUD 0.001 at the time of writing on 7 August 2026. The company has announced that it has received purchase orders totalling approximately $1 million from BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) to extend its existing autonomous drone operations across BMA’s Bowen Basin coal mines. The contract continuation highlights RocketDNA’s ongoing involvement in industrial drone applications within the resources sector.

BMA Contract Extension Continues Autonomous Mining Operations

RocketDNA’s latest announcement confirms that its current on-site drone operations with BMA will continue for a minimum of three months until October 2026. The purchase orders maintain an operating rate broadly consistent with the existing arrangement previously announced by the company.

The extension builds on RocketDNA’s established deployment of autonomous drone technology in one of Australia’s largest continuous drone programs. The company’s systems are designed to support mining operations through automated data collection, monitoring, and analysis capabilities.

For mining operators, autonomous drone solutions can assist with improving access to operational data, supporting surveying activities, and enhancing monitoring processes across large-scale sites. The continuation of the BMA program demonstrates the application of these technologies in a demanding industrial environment.

Technology Platform Supports Large-Scale Drone Deployment

RocketDNA’s operations at BMA continue to utilise its xBot drone-in-a-box fleet, supported by its Skylink and SiteTube software platforms. These technologies are designed to enable autonomous drone missions and the delivery of geospatial and operational information.

The company’s xBot product range includes SurveyBot, InspectBot, and PatrolBot solutions, which are developed for applications across mining, agriculture, and critical infrastructure sectors. Through its SiteTube platform and SiteDrive API, RocketDNA provides a framework for managing and distributing drone-generated data.

The ability to deploy autonomous systems across remote and industrial locations is a key area of focus for the company. Mining operations often require frequent data collection across extensive areas, creating opportunities for automated technologies that can improve operational workflows.

Mining Sector Demand for Drone-Based Data Services

The resources sector has increasingly adopted digital technologies aimed at improving productivity, safety, and operational visibility. Autonomous drones represent one component of this broader transition, providing companies with alternative methods for surveying, inspection, and asset monitoring.

RocketDNA operates across Australia, Africa, Europe, and North America, with Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) accreditation across multiple jurisdictions. These capabilities allow the company to pursue applications where autonomous drone operations require regulatory approval and specialised technical infrastructure.

The BMA contract extension adds to RocketDNA’s portfolio of commercial deployments and reinforces its presence within the mining technology market. Continued customer relationships and repeat operational contracts remain important factors in developing the company’s commercial model.

Growth Opportunities in Autonomous Industrial Technology

RocketDNA’s focus extends beyond mining into agriculture and critical asset sectors, where automated aerial data collection may provide operational benefits. The company’s strategy centres on combining drone hardware with software platforms to deliver integrated data services.

Future developments for RocketDNA will depend on customer adoption, expansion of autonomous drone applications, regulatory environments, and the company’s ability to scale deployments across different industries and regions.

The continuation of the BMA program provides evidence of ongoing demand for RocketDNA’s technology solutions, while broader market expansion will depend on how quickly organisations integrate autonomous systems into their operational processes.

Conclusion

RocketDNA’s BMA contract extension represents continued commercial activity for its autonomous drone technology within the Australian mining sector. The approximately $1 million purchase orders maintain an established operational relationship and demonstrate the practical use of drone-based data solutions at large-scale mining sites. As industrial sectors continue adopting automation technologies, RocketDNA’s ability to deliver integrated drone and software solutions will remain central to its future market positioning.

FAQs

Q: What contract has RocketDNA extended with BMA?

A: RocketDNA has received purchase orders worth approximately $1 million to extend its autonomous drone operations across BMA’s Bowen Basin coal mines until at least October 2026.

Q: What technology does RocketDNA use in the BMA deployment?

A: The deployment uses RocketDNA’s xBot drone fleet supported by Skylink and SiteTube software platforms.

Q: What industries does RocketDNA serve?

A: RocketDNA provides autonomous drone-based geo-data and AI services to mining, agriculture, and critical asset sectors.

Q: What are RocketDNA’s xBot products?

A: RocketDNA’s xBot range includes SurveyBot, InspectBot, and PatrolBot solutions designed for automated data collection and monitoring applications.

Q: Why are autonomous drones being adopted in mining?

A: Autonomous drones can support mining operations by enabling automated surveying, inspection, and data collection across large and often remote operational areas.

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