The pulse of mining is changing, and it is doing so hand in hand with ventures that combine science, data and sustainability with an agility rarely seen in this industry. Tech startups are paving the way with clean, digital, and scalable solutions. that rewrite the way mining assets are explored, operated and maintained, with a direct impact on costs, productivity and the environment.
In specialized media and forums, this shift has been highlighted, with cases moving from theory to practice. The focus is on decarbonizing, automating, and making real-time decisions with IoT, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.From Chile and Peru to Mexico and Colombia, the Latin American ecosystem is accelerating thanks to accelerators, investment funds, and fluid collaboration between companies, academia, and the State.
A sector that is accelerating its commitment to sustainability
The conversation about responsible mining has matured and is no longer just about compliance, but about gaining competitiveness through technology. In June 2025, the emphasis was placed on the fact that the sustainable opportunity of the sector multiplies when startups lead innovation., with examples of startups that integrate photovoltaics, real-time environmental monitoring, and business models focused on energy efficiency.
A frequently cited case is that of Veleco Energy, which illustrates how a young company can reorganize the board if it provides clean solutions applicable to real-world operations. The message is clear: think globally and act locally, taking advantage of Latin America's mining potential without sacrificing sustainability.It's a winning formula for founders, technologists, and investors with a long-term vision.
Where are the opportunities throughout the mining cycle?
The innovation window spans the entire cycle, from geological exploration to processing, logistics, and mine closure. Applying IoT, advanced analytics, autonomous systems, and clean energy at every stage reduces emissions, failures, and downtime., while improving safety and operational traceability.
There is investor and corporate appetite for these solutions, and in the region that interest translates into pilot projects, early purchases, and corporate venture capital programs. For startups, it's time to design with industry standards and think about scalability from the prototype stage.accelerating the transition from laboratory to field with hard value metrics.
Technologies that are already making a difference
The technology roadmap includes global trends, but tailored to very specific pain points in the sector. Big Data to orchestrate massive amounts of information, machine learning to anticipate events, IoT for continuous sensing, and computer vision for critical tasks They are now essential tools in mining that looks to the future.
- AI-assisted exploration: models that increase the accuracy in identifying areas with potential, saving campaigns and drilling with low probability.
- Connected operations: data capture from equipment for real-time management, traceability and integrated control of key processes.
- Predictive MaintenanceAlgorithms that anticipate failures in rotating machinery and critical equipment to avoid unscheduled downtime.
- Energy efficiency and renewables: integration of clean sources and management systems to reduce consumption and carbon footprint.
Chile: data, competitiveness and a robust innovation agenda
Chile is, due to its history and productive capacity, a regional benchmark. Mining accounted for around 10 percent of GDP in 2018 and nearly 27,9 percent of global copper production, with more than 5,5 million tons.However, after the memorable copper supercycle from 2004 to 2012, its relative weight has been declining.
Technical experts warn of stagnant productivity and a loss of competitiveness compared to other operations abroad, which forces a rethinking of processes through a sustainability lens. The country has woven an ecosystem that blends public policy, academia, corporations, and pilot centers., with initiatives such as Start-Up Chile and Corfo, and the participation of actors such as 3IE, Innovo, Chrysalis, Antofagasta Minerals and Codelco Tech.
The consequence is tangible: the solutions created by startups directly address the concerns of mining companies, which are productivity and costs. We are talking about integrated systems for the control, management, traceability and monitoring of work activities. that unify scattered data, open doors to evidence-based decision-making, and raise security standards.
There are also notable advances in the sensorization of tailings dams and in predictive models for processes such as grinding, crushing and loading. The goal is to minimize critical events, strengthen security, and limit environmental impact with timely information that allows action to be taken before the problem arises.
Four solutions that are changing everyday life
INDIMIN proposes a platform that combines Big Data, IoT, analytics and artificial vision to detect operational gaps and project yields by element of the process. During mining operations, a huge amount of data is collected, on the order of tens of gigabytes per year, but only a tiny fraction is used.Hence the value of extracting useful signals for training, standardization of best practices, and resource allocation.
In training, YOY SIMULATORS deploys virtual reality training that allows training outside the production line and without stopping expensive equipment. This approach aims to reduce the learning curve with real machinery and increase initial performance upon returning to operation.This is critical in transportation and in roles where the operator's experience translates into efficiency and safety.
For maintenance, Teicser developed Mill Ray, which 3D scans the effective thickness of mills during scheduled shutdowns. Systematically updating wear and tear assessments and rescheduling maintenance reduces unpleasant surprises, because an unplanned stoppage can cost between five and eight times more than a scheduled one., in addition to facilitating the visualization of results in mobile applications or 3D viewers.
RedBrayn, with Sonus, tackles catastrophic failures in rotary engine equipment through vibration analysis and historical data. Their proposal promises to anticipate disruptions months in advance, allowing for planned interventions and protecting operational continuity. in lines where an incident results in significant losses.
Peru: ecosystem, investment and focus on scalability
In Peru, industry leaders have explained that the new stage involves bringing together companies, academia, the government, and investors, because that is the way for an idea to become an industrial solution. Investment funds They are the springboard that allows one to climb from laboratory tests to deployments in legal operations.complementing existing public instruments.
The figures speak for themselves: in 2022, around $2.300 billion was invested in mining technology startups globally. KoBold Metals has become a benchmark by raising more than 500 million in one round and approaching a valuation of 3.000 billion., with recognized leadership even among the most influential voices in artificial intelligence.
In exploration, the leap is especially striking. While traditional techniques yield very low success rates, algorithms raise accuracy to percentages that change the cost and time equation., concentrating venture capital in areas such as deposit knowledge, mineral processing, water and tailings management, mine redesign and sustainable materials.
Large mining companies such as BHP, Vale, and Rio Tinto have become involved with corporate acceleration and investment programs, including Vale Ventures and Founder Factory. The message circulating in the Peruvian ecosystem is clear: those who don't innovate fall behind, and those who don't connect miss out on opportunities.because value creation already happens in a network.
Minnovex: collaboration to raise the bar
In Chile, MINNOVEX has emphasized that startups are already a driver of productivity and competitiveness, and that collaborative work multiplies results. The number of SMEs and young companies investing in R&D grew significantly over the last decadeAnd that critical mass is focused on mining challenges with a view to international markets.
This approach does not ignore the reality of the sector: entering the mining industry requires demanding standards in safety, environment and compliance. Therefore, integrating startups with experienced suppliers who understand the complexities of the task is key.And that's where associations like MINNOVEX act as a meeting point to put together high-value proposals.
The innovations they bring together today range from robotics, big data and artificial intelligence to IoT, data management and application development. Practical applications include remote operations monitoring, fuel control, process optimization, online training, and security systems., all with export potential towards other industries and geographies.
From exploration to processing: a cross-cutting revolution
The progress is already visible throughout the entire value chain. In exploration, advanced sensors and 3D modeling allow the subsurface to be visualized in great detail., identifying high-potential areas with greater confidence and focusing campaigns.
In the plant, the sensing of variables such as pH, density and temperature enables fine control of metallurgical processes, with benefits in recovery and consumption of inputs. In maintenance, continuous vibration and temperature measurement feeds predictive strategies that prevent failures in critical equipment., with a direct impact on continuity and costs.
The thrust of accelerators also weighs heavily. Since Aster, backed by Escondida BHP, dozens of mining startups have been acceleratedwith cases like Smart Mining, which integrates IoT and artificial intelligence to increase operational efficiency, and pilot projects in top-tier companies.
In security, Pignus has developed Rehaviour, which combines artificial intelligence and virtual reality to train preventive behaviors in simulated environments. Other companies such as Isprotec and Coddi have focused on optimizing flotation cells and offering monitoring and analytics from a single platformeven relying on generative artificial intelligence.
The map is diversified with proposals such as Indimin, which already operates in Peru, Mexico and Colombia, and with Minverso, which explores the metaverse applied to mining. Botiia and Kinamics are also emerging, with IoT robots for predictive monitoring of conveyor belts., a key piece to keep the production pulse running smoothly.
Upscale Mining 2025: From Prototype to Industrial Validation
The second generation of Upscale Mining 2025, promoted by the UC Anacleto Angelini Innovation Center together with SONAMI, CNP and Dictuc, with support from Corfo, closed with eleven teams that made a qualitative leap. Cosmos Green Mining, Emma Energy, Free Rocks, Kinin, NGENIA SSSS, Pipeline-RTO, Smartgestion, Testia, Twinviz, Binario Tech and Safetymind They went from preliminary prototypes to proposals tailored to real work needs.
For seven months, they received technical advice, mentoring and support to raise capital, as well as direct interaction with mining companies. Among the priority areas were energy efficiency, safety, predictive maintenance, sustainability, and process optimization., with much clearer piloting routes after operational feedback.
The process culminated with a Demoday at SONAMI headquarters, before specialists from the CNP, a fund with a planetary focus such as One Planet Fund and representatives of the industry. The event served to expand strategic networks and identify specific implementation opportunities in the north of the country.where challenges of continuity, costs and digitization converge.
The general feeling is that mining technology entrepreneurship has matured and is serious. The program positions itself as a platform that fosters talent and accelerates the adoption of new technological capabilities. in the territories where the industry operates, raising the competitive and sustainable bar.
Mining Tech Accelerator: Applied science with an international focus
Another initiative that adds to the mix is ​​the Mining Tech Accelerator, which brought together six startups focused on bringing advanced technology to operational challenges. One team stands out, founded by two PhDs in metallurgy from the Colorado School of Mines, with pilot tests planned in the United States in 2026 to validate results and scale with confidence.
The program focuses on process efficiency, sustainability, data usage, and the incorporation of cutting-edge tools, connecting entrepreneurial teams with experts, investors, and leading mining companies. For Latin America, where mining is the backbone, these trajectories demonstrate that scientific talent and entrepreneurship can anchor new value chains. with global reach.
Furthermore, it highlights the importance of combining education, mentoring, and strong networks to turn prototypes into scalable products. This type of acceleration sets trends and opens up opportunities for both founders and impact investors.aligning risk and measurable results in the field.
Data that moves the needle: investment, adoption, and results
Investment figures in 2022 demonstrate that capital is available when there is technology with a verifiable impact. The attraction of large funding rounds and the interest of corporations with their own investment programs reinforce the virtuous circle.: well-measured pilot projects, orderly scaling up, and value captured in productivity, safety, and environmental footprint.
Large mining operators already act as actors in the ecosystem, not just as customers. Investing in startups, sponsoring pilot projects, and opening their facilities for testing creates an alignment of incentives.and accelerates the learning curve on both sides, with results that travel throughout the supply chain.
Integration challenges and how to overcome them
It's not all smooth sailing. Mining imposes demanding standards in safety, environment, and continuity, and that can be a hurdle for small teams. Integrating with experienced suppliers is a smart way to meet requirements and scale without compromising qualitysharing knowledge, operational support, and certifications.
Another challenge is the leap from prototype to 24x7 operation, where the real resilience of any solution is tested. Early collaboration with work sites, well-designed pilot projects, and rigorous KPI measurement They are the fuel that avoids the valley of death between the demo and the recurring contract.
Latin America as a hub for mining innovation
Chile, Peru, Mexico, and Colombia concentrate top-level opportunities for solutions with a local stamp and global ambition. With public programs, active accelerators, and large mining companies willing to open doors, the ground is fertile for scaling impactful innovation.from exploration and processing to tailings and water management.
The regional entrepreneurial community is already organizing itself into networks and platforms that share resources, training, and contacts. For those who want to join, there are spaces that offer courses, workshops and support. to bring solutions closer to those who make purchasing decisions in the industry.
Looking at the whole picture, Latin American mining is facing a pivotal moment. The convergence of talent, investment, and corporate openness lays the foundation for a more competitive and sustainable mining industry., in which startups contribute speed, focus, and technologies that turn data into high-impact decisions.
What we see on the ground confirms that the transformation is already underway: from platforms that squeeze underutilized data to virtual reality for safe training, to 3D scanners that reschedule maintenance and algorithms that prevent failures months in advance. If we add to that catalog smart investment, public-private collaboration, and clear pilot routesThe region has everything it needs to lead the wave of technological innovation in mining startups with visible results in productivity, safety and sustainability.
