Terrahaptix, an African drone manufacturing company, has established a significant presence in South Africa’s mining sector through an exclusive distribution agreement with DiggingDeep. The partnership aims to supply specialized drones to mining operations across South Africa, marking the company’s expansion into its fifth African market.
The company’s drones serve multiple critical functions in mining operations, including site surveying, mapping, equipment inspection, and monitoring of hazardous areas. These capabilities significantly reduce human exposure to dangerous conditions while enabling the identification of mineral deposits in challenging locations. The drones also play a crucial role in environmental monitoring, tracking air and water quality around mining sites.
The global mining industry has witnessed a substantial increase in drone adoption, with current usage reaching 65% compared to 44% in 2018. The mining drone market, currently valued at $31.4 billion, is expected to reach $103 billion by 2031, highlighting the growing importance of drone technology in modern mining operations.
Nathan Nwachukwu, Terrahaptix’s founder, revealed that the company’s product line includes both aerial and ground drones. While aerial units handle security and site mapping, the ground-based Duma model supports direct mining activities and surface surveillance. The company already maintains a strong presence in Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Cote d’Ivoire, and Nigeria, where it manufactures its drones.
Terrahaptix has demonstrated remarkable growth, surpassing its initial revenue target of $1.6 million and projecting over $2 million in its first year. The company attributes 75% of its sales to markets outside Nigeria, positioning itself as a continental leader in drone manufacturing.
The increasing demand for electric vehicles has sparked what Nwachukwu terms a “mining renaissance in Africa.” This trend is particularly evident in lithium production, which saw an 80% increase between 2021 and 2023, despite electric vehicles comprising only 14% of global car sales.
Terrahaptix maintains a competitive edge through its pricing strategy, offering products at half the cost of competitors. This advantage stems from its localized supply chain, with 80% of materials sourced within Africa, while specialized components like sensors and cameras are imported from China.
Despite facing competition from established South African drone companies like Aerobotics, DroneSnap, and Drone Air, as well as global manufacturers, Terrahaptix’s rapid growth and strategic positioning suggest potential for expansion beyond African markets. The company’s innovative approach and cost-effective solutions position it favorably in the evolving mining technology landscape.