Chilean startup MineWatch has closed a US$900,000 funding round led by Alza Mining Tech to accelerate the deployment of its Internet of Things connectivity platform for underground mining. The company develops a network of wireless nodes that enables real-time monitoring of equipment and workers in tunnels, removing reliance on cabling and traditional Wi-Fi infrastructure. Founded in 2022 by José Reyes, MineWatch already generates revenue in Chile and recently began operating at the Cerro Lindo mine in Peru.
From an IoT Pivot to a Mining Specialist
MineWatch emerged in 2022 as a pivot from Vigalab, an Internet of Things company, to focus on underground mining. It was founded by José Reyes, Ivo Radic, Johann Witt, Pablo Lewin, and Nicolás Canales after identifying connectivity gaps in large mining operations. The startup now operates as an independent company with a growing team and a clear focus on industrial data.
Solving the Last Mile of Underground Connectivity
Underground mines often struggle with a persistent blind spot, since connectivity depends on cables and industrial Wi-Fi networks that are expensive and vulnerable to damage. MineWatch addresses this challenge by deploying a mesh network of battery-powered nodes that communicate over radio frequency. Each node has a range of up to 250 meters, allowing four devices to cover one kilometer of tunnel without additional civil works.
Real-Time Visibility for Workers and Machinery
The platform runs over this wireless network to identify worker locations and the operational status of mining equipment in real time. Machines are monitored to determine whether they are on, off, or actively drilling, while personnel carry cards that report their position as they pass each node. This capability supports safety and operational visibility in areas that currently rely on costlier and less resilient systems.
Traction in Chile and Entry into Peru
MineWatch has a team of 18 people and works with contractors at Codelco's El Teniente mine, including DMC Mining and Mies. It recently installed its first operation in Peru at Cerro Lindo, marking an important step in regional expansion. The company is already in conversations with large mining firms in Peru and reports that one potential project could require hiring 15 additional staff.
Investor Rationale and Use of Funds
Andrés Rodríguez, partner and founder at Alza Mining Tech, said the fund invested because MineWatch already has paying clients and recurring operations in Chile and Peru. He also highlighted the team's rare combination of mining expertise and in-house hardware development capacity. The fresh capital will be used to strengthen internal structure, reinforce the commercial team with senior profiles, and add new system functionality.
Regional Expansion and the Growing Value of Operational Data
The investment arrives as artificial intelligence increases demand for operational data, which remains scarce in underground mining. Rodríguez noted that while algorithms are widely available, real-time underground operational data is not, positioning MineWatch directly at that bottleneck. The company plans to use the funding to support its commercial growth and prepare for a potential entry into Mexico by 2027.
MineWatch's US$900,000 round may be modest compared with large software financings, but it reflects broader momentum in industrial data and hardware innovation in Latin America. The startup has moved from an internal pivot at Vigalab to a revenue-generating company with operations in two countries and clear regional ambitions. Its expansion into Peru and prospective entry into Mexico suggest that demand for reliable underground connectivity and operational intelligence will continue to grow.
Source: Df.cl