In a move that underlines the growing role of automation in the resources sector, RocketDNA Ltd (ASX:RKT) has inked a new 18-month contract with Vault Minerals (ASX:VAU) for advanced aerial data services at the King of the Hills (KOTH) gold operation in Western Australia.
The agreement, worth an estimated $705,000, significantly expands on RocketDNA’s previous three-year engagement with the site and reflects the broader shift towards integrating remote and autonomous technologies into daily mining operations.
“This contract not only reflects Vault’s confidence in our service,” said RocketDNA CEO and Managing Director, Christopher Clark, “but also marks a milestone in integrating remote autonomous operations into daily mining workflows.”
Deliver Next-Gen Tech at KOTH
Under the new deal, RocketDNA will deliver a full suite of integrated drone services at KOTH, including its proprietary xBot® remote drone systems and automated data processing workflows.
The new scope of work extends beyond conventional drone surveying, bringing in RocketDNA’s AI-powered, remotely operated aerial services, which are managed both onsite and via remote hubs in Perth and Adelaide. This hybrid approach is designed to improve data turnaround, site-wide visibility, and worker safety.
The company’s ability to combine “boots-on-the-ground” support with remote tech is key to meeting client demands in modern mining environments.
Expand on a Proven Partnership
The signing marks a continuation of RocketDNA’s relationship with Vault Minerals – formerly Red 5 Limited – who were early adopters of both the xBot® solution and RocketDNA’s SiteTube® platform. These systems allow mining teams to visualise and interpret aerial data quickly, with reduced manual input.
The contract follows on from the companies’ prior agreement, announced in June 2022, which saw RocketDNA provide conventional drone services at KOTH for three years. The success of that engagement laid the groundwork for this expanded partnership.
“We’re proud to deliver both boots-on-the-ground and remote capabilities that improve safety, consistency, and sitewide data intelligence,” Clark said.
Boost to Recurring Revenue with Scalable Delivery
RocketDNA estimates that the contract will deliver an Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) of $470,000, with services provided under individual purchase orders. While some components are usage-based, the overall value is underpinned by the expected continuity of operations at current activity levels.
Importantly, the agreement includes a 90-day termination notice period, providing flexibility for both parties while maintaining long-term visibility on revenue streams.
Tap into Broader Mining Tech Tailwinds
The mining sector continues to invest heavily in digitisation, automation, and AI, particularly as companies seek to optimise operations across remote and expansive sites. Drone technology is playing a pivotal role in this evolution, enabling safer data collection, faster analysis, and improved decision-making.
With clients ranging from Tier 1 miners like BHP and Rio Tinto to emerging players like Vault Minerals, RocketDNA is positioning itself as a critical enabler of this transformation.
RocketDNA asserts that the value-add from their technologies has culminated in the long-term commitment, highlighting the growing trust in RocketDNA’s solutions across the mining industry.
About the Clients
Vault Minerals, formerly Red 5, operates several major gold assets across WA, including the King of the Hills, Darlot, and Mount Monger sites. It also owns the Sugar Zone Gold Project in Ontario, Canada, making it a diversified intermediate gold producer with both domestic and international reach.
RocketDNA, meanwhile, continues to grow its footprint across Australia and Africa, with regional offices in Perth, Johannesburg, and Accra. Its services span surveying, asset inspection, and security, delivered via long-term contracts with major players in mining, agriculture, and engineering.
Outlook
The new Vault Minerals contract not only solidifies RocketDNA’s foothold in WA’s gold sector but also reinforces its broader strategy: delivering scalable, AI-powered drone services that help the mining industry automate, streamline, and future-proof operations.
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