MineWatch raises $900K seed from Alza Mining Tech to scale underground mining visibility tech

MineWatch Secures $900,000 Seed Round

MineWatch, an underground-mining technology venture spun out of Chilean IoT firm Vigalab, has raised US$900,000 in seed funding. The round was led by mining-tech fund Alza Mining Tech, which was the sole investor.

What MineWatch Does

Founded in 2022 by five cofounders and led by CEO Jose Reyes, MineWatch deploys battery-powered wireless mesh nodes that provide real-time visibility of equipment status and personnel location underground. Each node offers approximately 250 meters of tunnel range. The system operates without requiring internet or cabling underground, addressing a key connectivity challenge in mining environments.

The 18-person company is headquartered in Santiago, Chile. Its technology serves operations such as Codelco El Teniente through contractors like DMC Mining and Mies. MineWatch has also gone live at Cerro Lindo in Peru and targets expansion into Mexico in 2027.

Funding Details

• Round type: Seed
• Amount: US$900,000
• Lead investor: Alza Mining Tech
• Investors: Alza Mining Tech
• Announced date: September 7, 2026

Why It Matters

The seed investment will support MineWatch as it scales its underground mining visibility platform. With a focus on real-time equipment and personnel tracking without the need for underground internet or cabling, the company is positioned to serve mining operations seeking to improve safety and operational efficiency. The backing from Alza Mining Tech, a fund dedicated to mining technology, signals confidence in MineWatch's approach to digitizing underground operations.

As the company expands from its current deployments in Chile and Peru toward Mexico in 2027, this funding provides capital to grow its footprint and continue developing its mesh node technology.