The sky above Australia's mining sector is changing dramatically as autonomous drones revolutionise how critical data is gathered, processed, and utilised. In this revealing conversation with Chris Clark, Managing Director of RocketDNA, we uncover the remarkable journey from conventional drone services to AI-powered autonomous aerial solutions that are now embedded in the daily operations of Australia's biggest miners.
What began as a response to nighttime security threats at an African mine has evolved into a sophisticated remote operation system that's transforming mining workflows across continents. Chris shares how RocketDNA's technology allows operators in Perth and Adelaide to safely manage drone flights at sites thousands of kilometres away, creating an "everyday accessible utility" for both on-site teams and corporate decision-makers. The proof is in the contracts – with Vault Minerals and Goldfields recently signing long-term agreements that signal a fundamental shift in how the industry views this technology.
The conversation reveals fascinating insights into how RocketDNA's "land and expand" strategy works in practice, with customers typically starting with one or two specific applications before quickly discovering additional uses across multiple departments. With flight activity up 97% quarter-on-quarter and deployments expanding to BHP's Prominent Hill, Bowen Basin coal operations, and international sites in Africa and Papua New Guinea, the company has clearly moved beyond proof-of-concept to what Chris calls "proof of contract." For investors watching the intersection of AI, mining technology and drones, this represents a compelling case study in how innovation becomes indispensable through demonstrable ROI. Want to understand how aerial data is becoming the next essential mining tool? Listen now to hear directly from the company at the forefront of this transformation.
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CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.