Afleveringen
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What if the future of mining isn't just measured in ounces produced—but in the communities, habitats, and generations it leaves behind?
In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with Dave Spicer—miner, rancher, entrepreneur, conservation advocate, and lifelong Beatty resident—for a thought-provoking conversations about the future. Dave's story is deeply intertwined with the history of Beatty, Nevada, from growing up on a ranch and living off the land to building businesses, supporting mining projects, and dedicating decades of his life to ensuring his hometown has a future.
What makes this conversation unique is Dave's perspective on the relationship between mining, conservation, and community development. Through habitat restoration, trail development, species conservation, and local partnerships, he has spent years bringing people together around solutions that benefit the land, the community, and the mining industry.
Learn more about Dave's efforts and how you can get involved below.
Storm-ov.org
Trails-ov.org
We'd like to thank AngloGold Ashanti for making this episode possible and for supporting conversations that highlight the people, partnerships, and opportunities shaping the future of our industry.
Episode Sponsors:
Motor Mission Machine and Radiator
Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals
Safety First Training and Consulting
Episode Chapters
00:00 Building a Future Beyond Mining
01:05 Growing Up in Beatty and Ranch Life
05:08 Living Off the Land
08:02 Discovering Mining Opportunities
11:00 The First Major Mining Boom
13:45 Creating Opportunity After the Bust
16:20 From Dimensional Stone to Entrepreneurship
21:10 The Amargosa Toad Conservation Fight
26:05 Turning Conflict into Collaboration
29:15 Partnering with AngloGold Ashanti
35:05 Trails, Recreation, and Community Legacy
50:45 Inspiring Future Generations
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The future of mining isn't coming — it's already clocked in.
In this episode of Mining Minds, The Next Shift, Mining Minds sits down in Beatty, Nevada with a panel of young professionals from AngloGold Ashanti who are helping redefine the future of modern mining from the ground up.
From geology and environmental planning to HR, communications, and project development, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what mining really looks like today — and what it will become tomorrow. The panel dives into the realities of building a world-class mining project, the responsibility that comes with developing rural communities, and the innovation driving the next generation of the industry.
You'll hear honest conversations about mentorship, sustainability, technology, workforce culture, and the misconceptions that still surround mining. More importantly, you'll hear from the people stepping forward to carry the industry into its next era.
We'd like to thank AngloGold Ashanti for opening the door and providing us an opportunity to showcase their people and the work they are doing to support the entire mining industry.
To learn more about AngloGold Ashanti and stay up to date on their Nevada Projects, sign up for their e-newsletter by clicking the link.
https://nevadaprojects.anglogoldashanti.com/
Episode Sponsors:
Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals
Safety First Training and Consulting
Motor Mission Machine and Radiator
Chapters:
01:37 Meet the Panel
12:47 Perception Versus Reality
21:55 Telling Mining's Story
31:00 Blind Gold Discovery
32:08 Community and Generations
36:49 Hiring Traits and Resumes
43:37 Environmental Planning Basics
48:07 Office Admin Behind Scenes
57:23 Cross Functional Collaboration
01:00:48 Hollywood vs Real Mining
01:08:37 Changing Public Perception
01:11:27 Career Superpowers
01:13:51 Project Headline Dreams
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Arizona Copper Country, Global Mining Projects, Leadership & Legacy
Recorded at the historic Ore House in Oracle, Arizona, this episode marks Part 2 of Hector Denogean's incredible mining journey. If you haven't heard the beginning of Hector's story, be sure to check out Episode #164- Part 1: Hector Denogean
Episode #225- Part 2: Hector Denogean
Episode Sponsors:
AngloGold Ashanti North America
Safety First Training & Consulting
Walsh Reclamation Inc.
Episode Chapters:
02:33 Mammoth Memorial and Copper Corridor
07:07 Training the Next Generation
11:21 Community Impact and Responsible Mining
26:19 Traveling Mines Nevada to Michigan
32:39 Rock Bursts Explained
35:49 Memorials and Respect
41:14 Mexico Work Begins
50:40 Cartel Road Encounters
59:04 Visible Ore and Theft
01:08:41 Career Reflection and Expos
01:14:41 Family Roots in Sonora
01:28:50 Final Colombia Assignment
01:37:07 Advice to Young Miners
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From Service to Safety, Building Trust, and Leading Forward
In Episode #224 of the Mining Minds Podcast, we sit down with Mary Koerner, Health, Safety & Security Manager at AngloGold Ashanti's Nevada project, to explore what it truly means to build safety and culture from the ground up—at a stage where every decision carries weight.
From growing up in a small Montana town to serving 12 years in the Army Reserves, Mary shares how her experiences have shaped her approach to leadership today. Her path through mining, manufacturing, and other industries has given her a unique perspective—one that blends technical expertise with a deep understanding of people.
She dives into the difference between systems and culture, why health hazards often go unnoticed compared to visible safety risks, and what it takes to earn trust in environments where credibility isn't given—it's built over time. Drawing from her experience across multiple industries, Mary reflects on the challenge of adapting her leadership style and applying best practices in new environments.
To learn more about AngloGold's Nevada Projects and to sign up for their e-newsletter click the link: https://nevadaprojects.anglogoldashanti.com/newsletter/
A special thank you to AngloGold Ashanti for supporting Mining Minds and helping us showcase the incredible people and opportunities that make this industry.
Episode Sponsors:
JSR Fleet Performance
Walsh Reclamation Inc.
Safety First Training & Consulting
Episode Chapters:
02:06 Growing Up Montana
06:51 Deployment And Coming Home
13:57 College And Newmont Start
17:58 Industrial Hygiene Explained
21:30 AI And Exposure Data
28:41 Beyond Mining New Industries
36:12 Regulators And Standards
42:39 Paper Mill Safety Transfer
47:48 Montana Reset And Youth Work
55:25 Starting A New Mine
58:32 Anglo Safety Culture
01:01:52 Community Safety Outreach
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Betting on Yourself, Breaking Cycles, and Building Something Bigger
Recorded from the Copper Brothel Brewery in Sonoita, Arizona, Mining Minds sits down with longtime friend and the Bald Mountain Bad Boy himself, Mike Hill, for a conversation filled with lasting lessons, career pivots, and the realities of rebuilding yourself both inside and outside the mining industry.
Mike didn't follow a clean path into mining—or out of it. He walked away from home in Colorado knowing he needed a reset, landed in Nevada chasing opportunity, and got thrown straight into the deep end of underground mining with zero experience and a whole lot to prove.
From getting torn apart on the radio as a new nipper to figuring out how to lead teams, build culture, and navigate failure, his story is a series of pivots most people wouldn't take.
And he didn't stop there.
He walked away from mining. Started over. Took hits personally and professionally. Rebuilt again. Now, he's helping lead a growing business at Liberty Fence & Supply, developing people, and creating something completely new with the Copper Brothel Brewery.
Episode Sponsors:
AngloGold Ashanti
Walsh Reclamation Inc.
Safety First Training & Consulting
Episode Chapters:
02:53 Colorado Roots and Family
07:17 First Mining Job as a Temp
14:29 Getting Broken In
30:39 Leveraging Experience for Next Step
32:05 Supply Chain Reality Check
40:13 Authenticity Wins Jobs
44:17 Initiative Beyond Warehouse
51:46 Bald Mountain Bad Boys
54:51 Family Money and Overtime
01:08:07 Job Hopping as Growth
01:17:38 Safety Clash and Injury Wakeup
01:24:59 Scaling Liberty Fence Nationwide
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In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with Joel Donalson, Vice President of Sustainability at AngloGold Ashanti, from their Las Vegas office overlooking the valley. Joel shares a powerful story that spans generations in mining, from growing up in a mining family to helping lead one of Nevada's most exciting new projects.
We dive into Joel's journey—from working in an assay lab as a teenager to navigating roles in environmental management, risk, mine engineering, and even ranch operations. His career is a testament to embracing opportunity, adapting to changes, and building a well-rounded perspective across the mining industry.
One of the most impactful moments in this conversation is Joel's global perspective on mining:
"There was nothing here… people living subsistence lifestyles… and then a mine comes in — now there are roads, schools, infrastructure, opportunity."
The North Bullfrog and Arthur projects near Beatty, Nevada, represent more than just potential mining operations—they offer an opportunity to shape an entire region and meaningfully connect one of the state's largest populations to the mining industry in a new and impactful way.
To follow this transformation as it unfolds and stay connected to the latest updates from AngloGold Ashanti's Nevada projects, join their e-newsletter using the link below.
AngloGold Ashanti - Nevada Projects
We'd like to extend our appreciation to AngloGold Ashanti North America for welcoming us in and allowing us to highlight their team and the impactful work taking place on this project.
Episode Sponsors:
Safety First Trianing & Consulting
Motor Mission Machine & Radiator
Walsh Reclamation Inc.
Episode Chapters:
02:43 Joel Mining Roots
10:56 First Assay Lab Job
12:10 Assay Lab Grind
15:39 Back To Mining Boom
23:53 Environmental Closure Work
30:26 Risk Management Mindset
38:36 Short Range Planning Chaos
46:54 Why Environmental Fits
54:37 Mining Changes Communities
01:00:49 Winning Trust on the Ranch
01:05:04 Work Life Balance in Mining
01:10:15 Small Town Mining Stories
01:15:06 Building a New Nevada District
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This one is personal.
Beatty, Nevada isn't just another mining town—it's our hometown. It's where we grew up, where we learned what community really means, and where mining first became real to us. Coming back and sitting down with Gus Sullivan, Beatty's Justice of the Peace, isn't just a conversation—it's a chance to reconnect with the people and stories that helped shape who we are.
Gus has seen every version of this town. From working at his family's gas station to serving in law enforcement and eventually stepping into the role of Justice of the Peace, his story is woven into the fabric of Beatty. Through decades of change, one thing has remained constant—his commitment to the people who call this place home.
This episode also gives a real look at what happens when mining shows up at your doorstep—the growth, the pressure, the uncertainty, and the opportunity. But this time feels different. With AngloGold Ashanti stepping in, there's a clear effort to do it the right way—working alongside the community, supporting local infrastructure, and building with a long-term mindset instead of a short-term boom.
It's not just about what mining brings out of the ground—it's about the legacy it builds above it.
We'd like to thank AngloGold Ashanti for opening the doors and giving us the opportunity to showcase the people in our home town of Beatty Nevada.
Episode Sponsors:
Walsh Reclamation Inc.
Safety First Training & Consulting
Motor Mission Machine and Radiator
Episode Chapters:
02:05 Marine One Discovery
08:50 Deputy Ride Along Hook
12:25 High Speed Lesson
17:48 Mine Boom Shockwave
25:08 Community Policing Trust
28:26 Honoring Dad Legacy
29:41 Clinic Grants and Care
33:13 Town and Mine Partnership
38:25 Beatty Life and Family
40:02 Halloween and Cruising Days
43:25 Coaching and Community
45:25 Grandkids and Big Dreams
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In this episode, Mining Minds had the opportunity to get back to our roots in a small mining town that's seeing new life through projects like North Bullfrog and Arthur with AngloGold Ashanti. While on site, we sat down with Nick Fouché, Senior Vice President of Nevada Projects for AngloGold Ashanti—an individual who cares just as much about production and the success of the town as he does about the people and the environmental impact.
From growing up on the coast of South Africa to leading world-class mining projects across the globe, Nick shares a journey shaped by hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to step into the unknown.
This episode goes far beyond a traditional career story. It dives into the evolution of mining through the lens of environmental responsibility, community engagement, and leadership. Nick walks us through his unconventional path—from environmental science and military service to building world class operations—and how those experiences shaped his approach to modern mining.
We explore the importance of onboarding, culture, and collaboration, why understanding people is just as critical as understanding geology, and how global experience creates better leaders. Nick also gives us insight into AngloGold Ashanti's Nevada projects, a true tier-one opportunity, and how balancing production, environmental stewardship, and community trust is at the core of their vision.
We'd like to thank AngloGold Ashanti for opening the door and giving us the opportunity to showcase their people and the work happening on this project.
To learn more and stay up to date on AngloGold Ashanti's Nevada projects, sign up for their e-newsletter by clicking here.
Episode Sponsors:
Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals
Safety First Training & Consulting
Walsh Reclamation Inc.
Episode Chapters:
02:10 Growing Up South African
05:27 Choosing Environmental Science
10:06 Why Travel Builds Leaders
15:00 Environmental Values and Mining
20:27 Military Service
31:45 Trust With Communities
40:48 Learning Uranium Mining
47:17 Onboarding Done Right
51:05 Mine Improvement Program
53:27 Global Career Snapshot
57:29 Nevada Project Today
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What happens when you bring together project leaders, national advocates, and boots-on-the-ground operators—all in one room—to talk about the future of mining in America?
Recorded in Duluth, Minnesota at the Better In Our Backyard Winter Dinner, this episode delivers a high-impact series of conversations with some of the most influential voices shaping today's mining landscape. From copper development in Michigan to national policy in Washington, D.C., to the front lines of permitting battles in Minnesota—this episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to move mining projects forward in the United States.
We sit down with Mike Foley of Highland Copper to break down what it takes to bring a fully permitted underground copper project to life—and why infrastructure like smelting and refining remains one of the industry's biggest bottlenecks. Then, Ashley Burke of the National Mining Association joins us to unpack the policy shifts happening at the federal level, the global competition for critical minerals, and why storytelling and public understanding are more important now than ever.
Finally, we reconnect with Dean DeBeltz of Twin Metals, diving into the realities of permitting challenges, shifting goalposts, and the long fight to responsibly develop domestic resources—all while preserving the communities and environments that make these regions special.
This episode is about momentum, advocacy, and the people pushing mining forward—from the local level to the national stage. If you want to understand where the industry is headed and what's at stake, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.
Check out - Minerals Make Life
Episode Sponsors:
Walsh Reclamation Inc.
Safety First Training & Consulting
Heavy Metals Equipment & Rentals
Chapters:
01:39 Meet Mike Foley
06:58 Smelting Bottleneck Talk
13:08 Community Mining Heritage
19:37 Meet Ashley Burke NMA
21:20 Policy Shift and Strategy
25:24 Permitting Reform Messaging
31:12 Advocacy and Storytelling
39:45 Workforce Development Ideas
42:38 NMA Resources and Mine Expo
44:48 Dean Debeltz & Twin Metals Update in Duluth
50:46 Fair Permitting and Public Trust
55:39 Community Impact and Jobs Multiplier
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Recorded in Duluth, Minnesota at the Better in Our Backyard Winter Dinner, this episode of Mining Minds brings you a raw, unfiltered conversation with Shari McGregor-Overbye—millwright, industry advocate, and host of the Iron Lady Podcast.
From growing up learning the trades beside her father to becoming an onsite mechanic, Shari's story challenges outdated perceptions and highlights the real opportunity within mining and skilled trades. She breaks down the myth that blue-collar careers are a "fallback," sharing how hands-on skills, work ethic, and determination can outperform traditional paths both financially and professionally.
This episode dives deep into the realities of working in mining—from shutdown chaos and plant operations to leadership, innovation, and the future of maintenance with AI. Shari also shares how she carved her own path through the industry, earning respect, leading teams, and ultimately stepping into a role where she now works with industry leaders to drive performance and change. Please help us welcome Shari McGregor-Overbye to the Face.
Check out the Iron Lady Podcast!
Episode Sponsors:
Safety First Training & Consulting
Walsh Reclimation Inc.
Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals
Chapters:
02:49 Roots and House Moving
04:51 Dad's Influence Early
07:23 Advocating the Trades
12:03 Making Mining Authentic
16:26 Hands On Learning Style
20:37 Earning Respect on Site
26:04 AI in Maintenance
30:52 Plant Shutdown Chaos
35:36 Planner to Supervisor
39:11 Crusher Planning Lessons
42:50 Leading the Shops
44:01 Joining AMCAST Team
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In this episode of Mining Minds, we go behind the scenes of the Elko Mining Expo — a 40-year legacy event that transforms a tight-knit mining community into a global hub of innovation, networking, and opportunity. Sitting down with the powerhouse team at the Elko Convention Center & Visitors Authority, this conversation uncovers the hardwork, coordination, and passion required to bring over 6,000+ attendees, hundreds of vendors, and massive equipment displays together—year after year.
From humble beginnings and small-town roots to managing one of the most anticipated mining events in the industry, Selina Morales and Kimberly Longley share their personal journeys, the evolution of the expo, and what it truly takes to execute an event of this magnitude with a team of just ten people.
But this episode goes deeper than logistics. It explores the heart of mining communities — the families, the kids, the traditions, and the future workforce. With new ideas like live podcasting, technical sessions, and even a first-ever Miner's Poetry Contest, this year's expo is pushing boundaries and redefining what connection and storytelling in mining looks like.
Join us at the 2026 Elko Mine Expo on June 4th at 10:00 AM for a compelling look at the past, present, and future of our industry. We'll be kicking off the event with a live opening session panel podcast featuring some of the most influential voices in mining.
And for the first time, Mining Minds will be hosting the Miner's Poetry Contest on June 5th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. From elementary-aged kids to teenagers, to miners and their spouses, we want to hear the voices that truly tell the story of who we are, the experiences we've lived, and what makes this industry so special.
Submit your entry by "brassing in" at MiningMindsLLC.com.
Episode Sponsors:
Safety First Training & Consulting
Motor Mission Machine & Radiator
Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals
Chapters:
02:50 Selena Background
05:28 Planning the Expo
07:13 Kimberly Background
09:18 Convention Center Events
14:54 Expo Growth Upgrades
20:57 Layout and Expansion
26:52 Expo Week Breakdown
31:57 Networking and Engagement
33:15 Booths Networking Value
37:42 Miners Poetry Contest
52:59 40th Anniversary Plans
56:07 Live Podcast Announcement
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What does it feel like to hit one of the highest-grade nickel drill holes on the planet… and not even be on the drill pad when it happens?
In this long overdue episode, we sit down with Brian Goldner, Chief Exploration and Operations Officer at Talon Metals, for a front-row look at modern-day exploration, discovery, and the relentless pursuit of what's hidden beneath the surface. Recorded in Duluth, Minnesota at the Better In Our Backyards Winter Dinner, this conversation dives deep into the science, the risk, and the reward of chasing critical minerals in today's world.
Brian takes us from a kid in Minneapolis obsessed with rocks to leading one of the most exciting nickel discoveries in North America. We unpack the realities of exploration — a career built on being wrong, challenging assumptions daily, and pushing forward until something clicks. From helicopter-supported fieldwork in remote areas to building an in-house drilling operation during COVID, Brian shares how innovation, teamwork, and timing all play a role in success.
At the center of it all is Talon's recent discovery — a drill hole so significant it ranks among the best globally across multiple metals. But this episode isn't just about the win. It's about the process, the failures that lead to breakthroughs, and the responsibility of developing resources the right way — for communities, for the environment, and for the future of domestic mining.
Episode Sponsors:
Safety First Training and Consulting
Motor Mission Machine and Radiator
Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals
Chapters:
01:00 Welcome to Better In Our Back Yards & Talon Metals
04:12 From Physics to Geology
08:45 Discovering Economic Geology
12:00 How Nickel Deposits Actually Form
18:05 Helicopters, Remote Exploration & Field Life
24:00 Mentorship & Learning Under a Legend
28:00 Prospecting, Core & First Discoveries
35:10 Building an In-House Drilling Operation During COVID
44:10 Critical Minerals, Nickel & Global Demand
52:30 The Vault Discovery: A Career-Defining Moment
01:07:30 The Future of Mining, Technology & Exploration
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In this episode, we discuss what it takes to build something that actually lasts in the mining industry — not just in business, but in people, culture, and legacy. Join us in the studio with Matt Coffin, Vice President of Mining for N.A. Degerstrom, for a grounded, real-world conversation on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the long game of building in mining. From early career lessons and taking calculated risks to navigating growth, setbacks, and responsibility, Matt shares what it means to evolve alongside the industry rather than chase it.
This episode dives into the realities behind building and scaling, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and why trust, accountability, and consistency matter more than quick wins. Matt opens up about lessons learned through experience — both the wins and the hard moments — and how those have shaped his approach to leadership and decision-making.
Please help us welcome Matt Coffin to The Face.
Episode Sponsors:
Safety First Training and Consulting
JSR Fleet Performance
Motor Mission Machine and Radiator
Chapters:
00:00 Building Something That Lasts
08:45 Early Career Lessons & Getting Started
16:20 Taking Risks & Betting on Yourself
24:05 Learning Through Failure & Setbacks
32:10 Leadership Through Experience, Not Title
40:25 Building the Right Team Around You
48:40 Culture, Accountability & Trust
57:15 Scaling Challenges & Growing Pains
01:05:30 Workforce Realities in Mining Today
01:13:10 Balancing Business, Life & Responsibility
01:21:45 Staying Grounded While Pushing Forward
01:30:20 Long-Term Vision & Industry Impact
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What if the biggest challenge in mining leadership isn't strategy, production, or policy — but the brain?
In this episode of Mining Minds, David Watson, founder of NeuroLead, joins us in the studio for a powerful conversation about what it truly means to lead — starting with yourself. From humble beginnings in Australia to the iron ore boom, David shares his journey from carpenter to supervisor to breaking point — and how a deep dive into the neuroscience of leadership transformed not only his career but his life.
This episode unpacks cognitive bias, burnout, trauma, identity, and the toxic validation cycle that many high performers quietly live in. David explains how the brain is wired to maximize rewards, minimize threats, and conserve energy — and how those shortcuts can either elevate or sabotage leaders.
We dive into why traditional leadership training often misses the mark, why credibility matters more than PowerPoint slides, and why self-awareness is the foundation of influence. David also shares how hitting "static mode," creating flow, and deliberately repairing mental health are not luxuries — they are leadership responsibilities.
Please welcome David Watson to The Face!
www.NeuroLead.net.au
Episode Sponsors:
Safety First Training and Consulting
JSR Fleet Performance
Motor Mission Machine and Radiator
Episode Chapters:
05:30 Growing Up In Australia
10:42 First Leadership Breakthrough
16:23 Tall Poppy Syndrome Explained
21:19 From Carpentry To Mining Boom
28:33 Mining Town Reality Check
38:51 First Mine Job Trade Assistant
56:09 Leading Without Being Expert
01:11:06 Managing Up With Company Values
01:25:22 Find Your Static Mode
01:48:55 Neuroscience Study Shift
02:12:17 Launching Neuro Lead
02:23:59 Lead Yourself First
02:39:40 Life Changing Feedback
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What happens when a Hopi tribal member steps into one of mining's most complex spaces — not to fight it blindly, not to defend it blindly — but to bridge it?
We sit down with LeRoy Shingoitewa of WestLand Resources at the AEMA Annual Meeting for one of the most powerful and perspective-shifting conversations we've had to date. Raised in Moenkopi, Arizona — where some villages still live without running water or electricity by choice — LeRoy shares what it means to carry ancestral responsibility into modern industry.
From hauling water at his grandmother's home to biology, to cultural resource consultant, LeRoy explains how traditional ecological knowledge and Western science can coexist — and why both are critical in today's mining landscape. We dive into tribal sovereignty, legacy uranium impacts, water rights, permitting reform, trust-building, consultation breakdowns, NGO pressure, and what real partnership between tribes and mining companies actually looks like.
This isn't a surface-level conversation. It's about preservation, accountability, education, and long-term relationship building. It's about starting with respect instead of checking a box. And it's about one man choosing to stand in the middle — not for money, not for politics — but to make sure his people have a voice at the table. Please help us welcome LeRoy Shingoitewa to the Face.
Big thanks to the American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) for having Mining Minds out at the event. We truly appreciate the opportunity and the work you continue to do to support and elevate the voices across our mining industry.
Episode Sponsors:
Safety First Training and Consulting
Motor Mission Machine & Radiator
JSR Fleet Performance
PC-Reps
Chapters:
04:12 Growing Up Hopi: Tradition by Choice
14:48 Tribal Monitors & Entering Mining
20:03 Building Trust After Broken Promises
26:40 Why Early Consultation Matters
32:18 Economic Benefits vs. Cultural Preservation
38:12 Bloodlines, Identity & Sovereignty
45:03 Water, Coal & Hard Lessons
51:00 Western Degrees & Tribal Responsibility
57:42 NGOs, Money & Accountability
01:04:50 Mining 101 & Changing the Narrative
01:10:05 Preserving Culture While Engaging Industry
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From working road construction in the Midwest to leading a nationally recognized advocacy organization, Ryan Sistad, Executive Director of Better In Our Backyards, has taken a path that is anything but typical. We explore how entrepreneurship, resilience, and an unwavering belief in responsible development transformed a small regional initiative into a multi-state platform amplifying the voice of mining and industrial projects across America.
Ryan shares how he bet on himself, left corporate security, and built a brand during COVID by teaching himself design, digital outreach, and advocacy. We dive deep into permitting reform, rural vs. urban perspectives, refining bottlenecks, national security, critical minerals, and the power of storytelling in shaping public perception. Ryan shares lessons on partnership, collaboration over competition, and why mining's future depends on unified messaging and bold advocacy. Please help us welcome Ryan Sistad to the Face.
A huge thank you to the American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) for welcoming Mining Minds to the event and for everything you do to support and amplify the voices across our mining industry.
Episode Sponsors:
American Exploration and Mining
Safety First Training and Consulting
JSR Fleet Performance
Motor Mission Machine and Radiator
PC Reps
Chapters:
04:02 Crop insurance, trucking, and union ties
12:17 The entrepreneur itch vs corporate grind
15:38 Minnesota NGOs vs mining: permitting and urban/rural divide
24:33 Checks, balances, and the cost of endless litigation (NEPA)
30:25 Reclamation stories that change minds + Minnesota mine examples
40:07 Mentors, career pivots, and the Tulsa data center money move
44:19 Early Better In Our Backyard: Young Pros, Branding, and Finding a Lane
47:15 From 5 Members to 50: Social Media Value-First Growth Strategy
52:20 Funding Reality Check: Sponsorships, Value, and Playing the Long Game
01:04:28 Partnering with Associations & Connecting Dots Across Projects
01:11:31 Favorite Projects + Boots-on-the-Ground Credibility
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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 and for their ongoing dedication to advancing and amplifying voices throughout the mining industry.
Episode Sponsors:
American Exploration and Mining
Safety First Training and Consulting
JSR Fleet Performance
Motor Mission Machine and Radiator
Episode Chapters:
05:05 Feral Mining-Town Childhood & How Kids Are Different Now
12:18 School Struggles, Sports Dreams, and Learning Outside the Classroom
33:34 "Your long hair will never make you successful" — proving them wrong
39:14 When leadership gets personal
47:22 How he builds trust
55:40 Hiring without the script: real interviews, real people
01:01:27 Marriage & support system
01:12:04 First Date at Carver's
01:16:20 Stepping into Walsh
01:22:54 Scaling Up with Trust
01:24:18 Why People Take a Pay Cut to Work for Good Leaders
01:33:10 Pucker Factor Stories
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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 Association (AEMA)
Safety First Training and Consulting
Motor Mission Machine & Radiator
JSR Fleet Performance
Chapters:
03:21 Milan's Background and Upbringing
06:38 Growing Up in Tucson
13:25 College Journey and Challenges
19:32 Discovering Dyslexia and Overcoming Obstacles
27:11 Ego and Confidence in Leadership
32:23 Starting a Career in Environmental Science
35:52 First Impressions of the Mining Industry
39:32 Marketing and Geophysics
46:35 The PR Problem in Mining
58:26 The Importance of Marketing in Mining
01:00:39 Developing a Unified Marketing Message
01:05:32 The Mining Marketing Summit Vision
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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 content in a specialized market.
Thank you to the Utah Mining Association for welcoming us as part of your incredible event and for your continued support in amplifying the voices inside our industry.
Episode Sponsors:
Utah Mining Association
Safety First Training and Consulting
Episode Chapters:
02:41 Trevor's Background and Education
04:48 Discovering Mining
08:06 Starting the Mining Stock Daily Podcast
11:26 Building a Media Business
14:57 Collaborating and Expanding
22:21 Understanding Commodity Prices
22:27 Dynamic Content and Value Addition
22:49 Vision and Partnerships
25:11 Building Clear Commodity Network
28:08 Challenges and Future Plans
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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 part of your incredible event and for your continued support in amplifying the voices inside our industry.
Episode Sponsors:
Safety First Training and Consulting
JSR Fleet Performance
Motor Mission Machine & Radiator
Episode Chapters:
02:56 High School and Early Adulthood
07:00 Mission Experience in Argentina
29:13 Learning from History and Leadership
29:43 Gratitude and Mentorship in Mining
31:16 Challenges and Misconceptions in Mining
49:56 Venturing into International Mining
01:00:57 Balancing Family and Work Life
01:01:09 Reconnecting with Old Friends
01:02:40 Career Transitions and Challenges
01:05:55 Finding Fulfillment in a New Role
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