Fleet Space Technologies, the Adelaide-based space exploration company, has made a bold move into the mining sector with the acquisition of HiSeis, a Perth-based mining technology company specialising in hard rock seismic solutions. This strategic acquisition, following a $150 million Series D capital raise in December, signals Fleet Space’s intent to revolutionise the search for natural resources using advanced space and climate technologies. The company plans to build a new global headquarters and “hyper factory” at Adelaide Airport, positioning South Australia as a hub for AI innovation in the discovery of energy-transition minerals.
Fleet Space’s CEO and co-founder, Flavia Tata Nardini, emphasises the transformative potential of this acquisition. “Fleet Space’s acquisition of HiSeis marks a transformative leap into the future of data-driven exploration,” she says. By integrating HiSeis’ seismic exploration solutions into Fleet Space’s end-to-end exploration platform, ExoSphere, the company aims to generate exabytes of high-quality exploration data. This data will be crucial for unlocking faster exploration outcomes and enhancing shareholder value in the global mining industry.
HiSeis’ technology offers high-resolution subsurface imaging using seismic energy, aiding in the identification of mineral deposits. This capability, combined with Fleet Space’s satellite network and proprietary multimodal AI models, will enable rapid processing of hard rock seismic data. The integration promises multiple benefits, including minimising environmental impact and accelerating decision-making processes in the resources industry.
Dr Hemant Chaurasia, Fleet Space’s chief technology and product officer, highlights the scalability and efficiency gains from this integration. “By integrating HiSeis’ innovative seismic solutions with our state-of-the-art, real-time data processing and transmission system ExoSphere, we will greatly expand scalability while further reducing the time and environmental impact associated with acquiring high-resolution active seismic data,” he says. This will enable more adaptive field operations and faster access to actionable data-rich insights.
The new 5,300sqm facility at Adelaide Airport will accelerate the production of Fleet Space’s space technologies and scale its ExoSphere division. The headquarters will feature advanced manufacturing and data centre technologies, enabling the production of thousands of smart sensors and hundreds of satellites annually. This expansion is expected to create hundreds of new jobs in South Australia and establish the basis for Fleet Space’s exploration-focused AI supercomputer, ExoCore.
Fleet Space’s global headquarters will deliver a hybrid manufacturing model for frontier technologies needed to achieve decarbonisation and net-zero targets. The facility will house research and development labs, 3D printing technologies, data centre infrastructure, and central operations for the company’s satellite network in low-Earth orbit. The new headquarters will also host central operations for ExoSphere, which is currently used by over 40 companies globally, including Rio Tinto, Barrick, Gold Fields, and Ma’aden.
Fleet Space’s chief exploration officer, Matt Pearson, underscores the significance of this development. “GHQ is the forerunner for the next-gen manufacturing model needed to unlock and scale the space, climate, and AI-powered technologies our planet needs to get back on track for net-zero,” he says. This bold step by Fleet Space sets a precedent for industries worldwide to pursue similar models, supporting the innovation needed for a decarbonised future.
The acquisition of HiSeis and the establishment of the new global headquarters coincide with Fleet Space’s 10-year anniversary. Tata Nardini reflects on the company’s journey and its impact on Australian innovation. “Today marks a significant leap into the future for Fleet Space and Australian innovation, as we continue our mission to build revolutionary frontier technologies that address the dual challenges of climate change and space exploration, from the heart of South Australia,” she says.
This development is poised to reshape the mining sector by integrating advanced space and climate technologies with traditional exploration methods. The acquisition of HiSeis and the establishment of a new global headquarters at Adelaide Airport will likely accelerate the discovery of energy-transition minerals, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the efficiency of mining operations. Fleet Space’s bold move sets a new standard for innovation in the mining industry, positioning South Australia as a global leader in AI-driven exploration and sustainable resource discovery.