Trusted from sky to site

Commercial helicopters supporting Australia’s mining sector

For more than three decades, Commercial Helicopters has been an indispensable partner to Australia’s mining and exploration industries. With a legacy dating back to 1990, the company has built its reputation on safety, reliability and operational excellence, offering helicopter services that make even the most remote or rugged terrain accessible.

Whether it’s supporting exploratory drilling programs in the outback, playing a vital role in mine rehabilitation or ensuring site safety through fire and land management, Commercial Helicopters provides versatile, efficient aerial solutions that drive outcomes across the mining lifecycle.

Pioneers in remote exploration support

Remote exploration is at the heart of Australia’s mining success. As the industry continues pushing into harder-to-reach territories in search of new deposits, the demand for reliable aerial logistics has never been greater. This is where Commercial Helicopters excels.

With operations in every Australian state and territory and holding an international Air Operator Certificate (AOC), Commercial Helicopters can mobilise rapidly and operate safely in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

The company’s fleet of multi-mission helicopters are equipped for transporting geologists and drilling crews, delivering core samples, moving light rigs and equipment and conducting aerial reconnaissance. This means exploration teams can remain agile and productive, regardless of terrain or remoteness.

The ability to land precisely, hover in tight spaces and access terrain where traditional transport is impossible gives helicopters a unique advantage. Commercial Helicopters leverages that advantage to support exploration programs across Australia’s mineral-rich landscapes, from the deserts of WA to the tropical regions of far north Queensland and beyond.

Committed to mine site rehabilitation

With increasing environmental scrutiny and a growing emphasis on sustainability, mine site rehabilitation is no longer an afterthought — it’s a core part of every responsible mining operation. Commercial Helicopters is at the forefront of this transformation, providing aerial support for a wide range of rehabilitation activities.

Using helicopters for aerial application and transport dramatically reduces ground disturbance, making it an ideal solution for sensitive or unstable post-mining landscapes. From hydroseeding to aerial mulching and replanting, Commercial Helicopters helps facilitate vegetation regrowth and erosion control, particularly in areas too difficult or dangerous to access via land.

Its experienced aerial teams can deliver precision application across steep slopes, tailings dams and disturbed terrain, accelerating the rehabilitation process while minimising environmental impact.

As a proud member of the Aerial Application Association of Australia (AAAA), Commercial Helicopters adheres to strict environmental and operational standards for aerial work. This means peace of mind for mining companies and regulators alike — every job prioritises safety, compliance and sustainability.

Integrated fire and land management services

Many mining operations, particularly those adjacent to bushland or in remote regions, face increasing wildfire risks. Commercial Helicopters is a trusted partner in aerial firefighting, offering water bombing and fire suppression services using bucket operations or tanks. The company also supports strategic back burning and hazard reduction, using incendiary devices and drip torch systems from the air — essential tools in both fire response and preventative land management.

This capability is especially valuable during mine site closures or transitions when vegetation regrowth can increase fuel loads. Aerial fire services can protect critical infrastructure, workers and surrounding communities while meeting environmental and compliance obligations.

Feral animal control and biosecurity support

Invasive species present another operational and ecological challenge for mining operations, particularly in regional or pastoral zones. Commercial Helicopters offers aerial feral animal control in cooperation with landowners and government bodies.

This includes precision aerial shooting and baiting operations designed to manage populations of wild pigs, goats and other species that threaten biodiversity and mine site stability. These services can be critical during both exploration and rehabilitation phases, where protecting revegetation efforts and sensitive ecosystems is a priority.

Powerline construction and inspections

As mining operations expand into more remote areas, so too does the need for reliable energy infrastructure. Commercial Helicopters supports powerline inspection, surveying and construction across a range of terrain types.

Its helicopters can transport line crews, sling towers and equipment and perform high-resolution aerial inspections of transmission infrastructure, enabling faster construction timelines and more frequent preventative maintenance cycles — minimising outages and protecting productivity.

Certified safety, trusted partner

Safety in the mining sector is non-negotiable, and Commercial Helicopters has built its business around this principle. The company is a certified member of the Basic Aviation Risk Standards (BARS), a globally recognised benchmark used by mining, resource and energy companies to assess aviation providers. This certification ensures that clients are working with an operator that meets the rigorous standards required to support high-risk and remote operations.

Moreover, Commercial Helicopters maintains a comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS), ensuring that every flight, from a single-pass seed drop to multi-day remote exploration support, is carried out with industry-leading safety protocols and continuous risk monitoring.

Tailored services for a dynamic industry

Understanding the specific needs of mining operations is what sets Commercial Helicopters apart. Its team works closely with mine managers, geologists and environmental consultants to deliver tailored helicopter services that align with project timelines, budget constraints, and regulatory frameworks.

In addition to its national operations, Commercial Helicopters holds an international AOC, enabling cross-border project support and aerial logistics for clients operating in remote or overseas locations. Whether it’s mobilising teams in PNG, supporting rehabilitation efforts in Southeast Asia or delivering payloads across the Australian interior, the company offers unmatched reach and reliability.

Why helicopters make economic sense

For many mining companies, helicopters are not just a last-resort solution for hard-to-reach places — they’re a cost-effective, time-saving tool. By reducing downtime, improving site access and enhancing operational agility, helicopters enable teams to do more in less time, especially in early-stage exploration and site closure phases. Commercial Helicopters offers competitive pricing structures, and with decades of experience, they understand how to help clients get the most value from every flight hour.

Whether you’re breaking new ground, restoring it or protecting it, Commercial Helicopters is ready to support your operations from above.