MindBio Therapeutics Corp., a biotechnology company developing AI-powered voice analytics for drug and alcohol impairment detection, has appointed Felipe Leyton to lead commercialization efforts across South America's mining industry. Leyton, recognized as a leading authority on drug and alcohol public policy and mining safety in the region, was instrumental in the technical and operational implementation of Chile's landmark Zero Tolerance framework for alcohol-impaired driving.
This strategic appointment marks MindBio's transition from advanced development to commercial field deployment. Leyton's mandate includes developing mining-specific testing protocols, expanding clinical validation, refining AI prediction models, and overseeing phased deployment into active mining environments to generate commercial revenue. His deep industry connections, through his role as a Partner at TConsulting, provide direct access to major mining operators and government ministries.
The urgency for such technology is underscored by occupational safety data. In Chile's mining sector, which employs over 200,000 individuals, alcohol consumption exceeds 75% among workers, with approximately 40% classified as problem drinkers and about 9% reporting drug use. Globally, an estimated 20–25% of occupational accidents are linked to substance use, highlighting a critical need for real-time detection solutions in safety-critical industries like mining.
MindBio's platform, an integrated Edge AI hardware-software kiosk system designed for industrial environments, is scheduled to begin on-site field testing at mining operations in the second quarter of 2026. The system offers rapid, non-invasive screening using voice analysis to predict impairment from substances including cocaine, benzodiazepines, amphetamines, cannabis, hallucinogens, and alcohol, aiming to reduce operational friction compared to traditional biological testing methods.
Justin Hanka, CEO of MindBio, stated that Leyton's regulatory authority and industry access position the company at the forefront of next-generation industrial safety solutions. This move represents a significant step in addressing a substantial global market opportunity for scalable impairment detection technologies, potentially transforming workplace safety protocols and reducing liability exposure in high-risk sectors worldwide.
