Mining Minds

Recorded at the 2025 American Exploration and Mining Association Annual Meeting, this Mining Minds episode features Walsh Reclamation Operations Manager Troy Hawkins. Troy shares his background as a ninth-generation miner and reflects on how his father—a self-described "tramp miner"—was his hero and shaped his values around respect, hard work, and character over credentials. He discusses growing up in a small mining town, leaving school early, and entering the mining industry alongside his family. Troy reflects on his 23-year career at one operation, where he began as a haul truck driver and advanced through multiple operational and leadership roles. Once a rebellious young operator, he evolved into a people-focused leader who prioritizes morale, respect, and personal connection—building high-performing crews through trust and genuine care. Please help us welcome Troy Hawkins to The Face. We would like to thank the American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) for hosting Mining Minds at the event

Join Mining Minds at the 2025 American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) Annual Meeting in Reno, Nevada, as we sit down with Milan Calendine, geoscientist and marketing manager. In this episode, we reflect on the success of the newly introduced Mining Marketing Summit, led by Milan and her outstanding team of marketing and industry experts.  Milan also shares her journey from environmental science to marketing, highlighting the critical role marketing plays in today's mining industry. The conversation expands to the importance of effective communication, personal branding, and community engagement, underscoring the need for mining companies to embrace innovative marketing strategies and leadership development. Please help us welcome Milan Calendine to the Face!  Thank you to the American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) for welcoming Mining Minds to the event and for continuing to support and elevate voices across the mining industry. Sponsors: American Exploration and Mining Assoc

Sitting down with Mining Minds at the Utah Mining Association's 110th Annual Convention is Trevor Hall, co-founder and host of the Mining Stock Daily podcast. Trevor shares his journey of creating and growing his widely respected podcast—from early mornings dedicated to mining news to building a robust content network. He discusses the origins, challenges, and evolution of the venture, noting that recording and publishing mining news before the market opens became the core ethos of the podcast—one he has meticulously maintained for over eight years. We also explore Trevor's background, the inspiration behind his work, and his insights into the commodities market. Listeners can expect a compelling look into the media business within the mining industry, the importance of consistency, and Trevor's vision for the future of the Clear Commodity Network—an umbrella platform for commodities-focused content. This episode highlights the dedication, passion, and strategic thinking required to produce meaningful con

In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with Kevin Neville at the Utah Mining Association Convention to unpack a raw, honest journey through underground hard rock mining, international contract work, and the realities of chasing success without losing yourself along the way. From his first awe-filled moments descending a shaft at Resolution Copper to managing the mental, physical, and emotional toll of long rotations in Mexico, Kevin shares what it truly means to grow up in the mining industry. Kevin talks about the value of hard work learned early in life, the power of mentors who shape careers underground, and the importance of recognizing burnout before it costs you more than a paycheck. We dive into mining culture, leadership lessons, work-life balance, and why underground mining still holds a special place in his heart—even after stepping into a new chapter outside the mine. Please help us welcome Kevin Neville to the Face! Thank you to the Utah Mining Association for welcoming us as

Back at it again with the second episode of The Safe Word, where real conversations driven by you—the listeners—are unpacked by seasoned miners with decades of experience. This raw, unscripted discussion tackles some of the most debated—and often misunderstood—topics in mining safety, cutting through policy talk to focus on what actually matters at the face. The conversation begins with safety glasses, examining when they are truly necessary, where the line exists between compliance and over-policing, and how to balance company policy, MSHA standards, and real-world hazard awareness without losing credibility with the workforce. We then shift into a deeper discussion on whether all accidents are preventable, exploring the realities of the human element, external factors, and the role of safety professionals in influencing behavior without becoming "the safety cop." Finally, the episode takes a hard look at complacency—how routine, fatigue, confidence, and attitude can quietly erode situational a

In this thought-provoking episode, Mining Minds, sit down with Lyndsay Wright, Executive Director of the Women's Mining Coalition, for an honest, wide-ranging conversations. From growing up in Texas to working in real estate finance, navigating burnout, and ultimately finding purpose in mining advocacy, Lyndsay shares a career journey shaped by curiosity, resilience, mentorship, and authenticity. This episode goes far beyond job titles. Lyndsay opens up about mental health, work ethic, generational shifts, burnout, leadership styles, and why understanding people is just as critical as understanding numbers. The conversation dives deep into the realities of mining today — workforce challenges, permitting hurdles, advocacy in Washington, the loss of institutional knowledge, and the urgent need to tell mining's story in a way people can actually connect with. Please help us Welcome Lyndsey Wright to the Face! Thank you to the Utah Mining Association for welcoming us as part of your incredib

We close out 2025 with a special episode recorded live from the Glizzy Golf Tournament at the Elko Municipal Golf Course — a one-of-a-kind event that continues to bring the mining industry together in the most authentic way possible. This episode is a fast-paced, round-table style snapshot of the people who make mining what it is. From engineers, geotechnical and environmental professionals, surveyors, metallurgists, and processing leaders, to first-generation miners and seasoned veterans — Glizzy Golf is where backgrounds, disciplines, and companies collide on common ground. With over 60 participants and a growing mix of returning players and first-timers, this tournament has become a true reflection of the mining community — collaborative, competitive, welcoming, and built on shared respect. As we wrap up the final episode of 2025, this one stands as a testament to why Mining Minds exists: to tell the stories of the people behind the industry and highlight the connections that keep it moving forward. Thank

Before the citations. Before the regulations. Before the arguments—there's people. In the first-ever Safe Word segment of Mining Minds, Grover sits down with longtime mentor, former MSHA inspector, and no-nonsense safety professional Jim Hoover to have the conversations most safety meetings never do. This episode strips away the myths, the fear, and the finger-pointing around mining safety and replaces them with something better: honesty, experience, and critical thinking. They break down what MSHA actually does (and doesn't do), why citations aren't cash grabs, and how perception, personality, and human judgment shape every inspection. From the difference between being compliant and being truly safe, to why asking why matters more than memorizing the 30 CFR, this episode is about understanding safety—not weaponizing it. You'll hear real stories from the pit and the inspector's side, hard lessons learned early in a career, and why building relationships—rather than hiding when inspectors show up—can make oper

Join Mining Minds from the 2025 Mine Safety & Health Conference as we sit down with Don Neff, Security Manager and longtime Nevadan. Don shares his journey from growing up in Elko County to serving in the Air Force's photo-recon field, working as a Nevada Highway Patrol officer, and ultimately finding his place in mining safety. Drawing on decades of experience, Don talks about reading people, leading through influence, and navigating the impact of emerging technology, autonomy, and AI on mine safety. He breaks down the importance of true partnerships—especially in contractor management—and the need for meaningful engagement, strong systems, and asking the right "what if" questions. Please help us welcome Don Neff to the Face! Thank you to the Mine Safety & Health Conference for providing us the opportunity to participate in this event.  Event Sponsor:  Safety First Training and Consulting Episode Sponsors: Safety First Training and Consulting JSR Fleet Performance  Liebherr Mining  Chapters: 00:45

In this energized episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with Adrienne Clinton, a driving force behind the 2025 Mine Safety & Health Conference and a rising leader in mining safety. From her early days in law enforcement to her unexpected path into security, safety, and now industry leadership, Adrienne shares her story full of humor and passion for people. This episode explores the real human challenges inside mining — mental health, generational differences, communication barriers, culture shifts, regulatory frustrations, and the everyday wins that shape safer operations. Adrienne opens up about bombing the interview that actually changed her life, stepping into safety with no prior background, building community partnerships, advocating for new miners, and helping grow a national conference. Please help us welcome Adrienne Clinton to the Face.  Thank you to the Mine Safety & Health Conference for giving us the opportunity to participate in this event.   Event Sponsor: Safety First Tra

In this episode of Mining Minds, Dino and Grover sit down with longtime miner, electrician, and leader Jason Bohl for an unfiltered conversation about life inside the industry — from early apprenticeships to leadership pressures, from underground lessons to personal turning points. Jason walks us through a career built on work ethic, motivation, and authenticity, sharing how he learned to "figure it out," how mentors shaped him, and how staying self-driven opened unexpected doors. We also dive into the real side of mining: burnout, mental health, navigating fatherhood while working long hours, rebuilding after setbacks, and redefining success. Jason opens up about resilience, responsibility, supporting the next generation, and finding balance after years of nonstop grind. Please help us welcome Jason Bohl to the Face! Event Sponsor: Safety First Training and Consulting   Episode Sponsors:  Safety First Training and Consulting Liebherr Mining JSR Fleet Performance   Chapters: 

Join Mining Minds as we look back on years of conversations, growth, and lessons learned from the people who power the mining industry. This special anniversary episode dives deep into the heart of who we are — the stories that shaped us, the communities that supported us, and our evolution from a simple idea to a respected industry voice. From traveling the country, launching new video platforms, and building workforce development content, to sharing emotional guest stories, advocating for mental health, and expanding our network of miners, leaders, innovators, and veterans — this episode highlights our past, our present, and the exciting future ahead. You'll hear our behind-the-scenes reflections, favorite guest moments, and updates on new initiatives, including The Safe Word safety segment of the podcast, upcoming industry panel discussions, children's mining education projects, and our Military to Mining program. We also share how we plan to continue amplifying the industry in 2026 and beyond.  

In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down at the Mine Safety & Health Conference with returning guest Diane Watson — a respected safety professional, MSHA veteran, and industry leader dedicated to improving safety culture across mining. Originally featured on Episode #93, Diane returns to share her passion for connecting people, fostering communication, and ensuring the next generation of miners understands the "why" behind safety. From her start as a haul truck operator to her time with MSHA and now as the founder of Silverado Compliance Solutions, Diane talks mentorship, accountability, leadership, and the challenges of evolving safety standards in a fast-changing industry. Catch both of Diane's episodes on all major podcast platforms.   Event Sponsor: Safety First Training and Consulting   Episode Sponsors:  Safety First Training and Consulting JSR Fleet Performance Liebherr Minining   Chapters:    02:24 Reconnecting with Diane Watson: From Episode #93 to Now 06:04 Pas

In this cutting-edge episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with Michael Hartley, Managing Director of InterKnowlogy, a North American AI and performance visualization company revolutionizing how the mining industry makes decisions. From his early years in Nova Scotia to his global career in oil, gas, and mining, Michael shares a fascinating journey that connects human performance, data-driven decision-making, and the future of AI in industrial operations. With real-world lessons, Michael breaks down how human factors engineering and artificial intelligence can change safety, efficiency, and leadership across the mining world. Discover how InterKnowlogy's Command Center and Caddi technologies are transforming decision-making at every level — from operators to executives — by helping people make better, faster, and smarter choices. This episode dives into technology, leadership, and the human side of innovation — a must-listen for anyone passionate about mining’s future, workforce development, and real-world a

From a 16-year-old kid cleaning shops to the Director of Mine Skills Training at Great Basin College (GBC/NORCAT), Travis Macias embodies what it means to grind, grow, and give back. In this inspiring episode of Mining Minds, Travis shares his raw, real journey through life underground — from hard lessons on the jackleg to leading Nevada’s next generation of miners. He opens up about fatherhood, faith, mentorship, and how tragedy and resilience guided his purpose. Whether you’re a miner, mentor, or dreamer, this is an episode about humility, perseverance, and the power of giving a damn. Travis reflects on the old-school lessons that forged his work ethic, the mentors who pushed him to be better, and the importance of accountability both at work and at home. He dives deep into how mining shaped his character — and how he’s now shaping the future of the industry through education and innovation. Tune in for real talk, laughs, and life lessons from a man who’s lived it, led it, and continues to pay it forward.

As we wrap up our tour to the Minnesota Iron Range, Mining Minds had the opportunity to sit down with Bob Sterns and Virginia Bennett of US Steel Minntac for a raw and insightful conversation about life, mining, and community in Minnesota’s Iron Range. From Bob’s deep-rooted family history in mining to Virginia’s journey from military brat to analytical technician, they share their insight into the mining cycle of the Iron Range and their passion for preserving it through responsible mining. We talk oil analysis, pellet production, the critical role of Iron Range mining in America’s infrastructure, and the challenges—and opportunities—of technology like AI and autonomy in mining. With humor, honesty, and a few unexpected tangents, this episode delivers both laughter and lessons. Please help us welcome Bob & Virginia to the Face! Special thanks to Kristen Vake (Iron Mining Association of MN), Julie Lucas and Talia Sandys (Mining Minnesota) for making this episode possible. Although it didn’t make it in

What does pride, legacy, and the future of mining look like on Minnesota’s Iron Range? In this episode, we sit down with Ida Rukavinia, Commissioner of the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, and Kristen Vake, Executive Director of the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota, to dig deep into the history, culture, and future of mining in northern Minnesota. From immigrant roots and unions that shaped entire communities, to today’s challenges of permitting, workforce development, and the global demand for critical minerals—Ida and Kristen share candid insights about what it means to grow up in a mining family, how mining tax dollars are reinvested back into schools and communities, and why educating the next generation is more important than ever. Whether you’re rooted in the Iron Range or just discovering its story, this episode will remind you why mining is more than an industry—it’s a lifeline for communities, a driver of innovation, and a proud tradition carried forward by people like Ida a

In this special episode of the Mining Minds Podcast, we sit down at U.S. Steel Minntac with Mike Bakk, Director of Facilities Excellence, and Chrissy Bartovich, Senior Director of Environmental. From humble beginnings to leading major projects that shape the future of steelmaking, Mike and Crissy share their personal journeys, leadership lessons, and the innovations driving today’s mining industry. We dive into the transformation of mining from “pick and shovel” to high-tech operations featuring AI, robotic dogs, and advanced reliability systems. Mike and Crissy sheds light on the critical role of environmental stewardship, community engagement, and the innovations needed to meet evolving regulations. Together, their stories highlight resilience, continuous improvement, and a legacy of mining that sustains families, communities, and industries for generations to come. Brass in to join the conversation!  Special thanks to Kristen Vake (Iron Mining Association of MN), Julie Lucas and Talia Sandys (MiningMinneso

In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with Matt and Julie Lucas at their home on Minnesota’s historic Iron Range. From growing up in Hibbing and Chisholm to careers in environmental consulting, mining operations, and advocacy, Matt and Julie share their personal journeys that reflect the resilience and determination of the mining industry. Matt talks about working nearly two decades alongside his father before joining the mines, where he’s now part of the steelworkers’ union, keeping critical supply chains moving. Julie opens up about her path from environmental science into mining leadership, her battle with breast cancer, and her current role advocating for responsible mining and community growth. Together, they highlight their passion for service—especially through Fishing with Vets, an organization that provides healing and connection for veterans through outdoor experiences. We also dive into conversations about purpose, the future of mining, and the deep pride of living on the Iron Range. This ep

Overlooking iconic Hibbing Taconite Mining Operation in Minnesota, Mining Minds had the opportunity to speak with two remarkable women whose stories capture the history and heart of mining in the state. First, we’re joined by Talia Sandys, Communications and Engagement Director for Mining Minnesota, who has been our guide through the region’s rich mining heritage. Then, we dive deep into the incredible 30+ year career of Darleen Gargano, a retired miner who began her journey in 1976 when opportunities for women in the pit were almost unheard of. From her first day pulling cable and driving haul trucks to operating graders in subzero blizzards, Darleen shares candid stories about resilience, camaraderie, and the changing face of the industry. Along the way, we explore Hibbing’s fascinating history—including the relocation of an entire town for mining, the legendary Hibbing High School, and life growing up in a tight-knit rural community. With humor, honesty, and a lifetime of lessons, Darleen reflects on what