In this 2-part podcast Mining Minds takes you deep into the heart of the Nevada Mining Industry. Reviewing a presentation discussed at this year's annual Nevada Mining Association Conference we dive into the critical topics shaping the mining industry's future. From fostering a "Stop the Waste" culture to analyzing Nevada's economic trajectory, we discuss the challenges of balancing inflation and pay scales, the impact of permitting difficulties on operations, and the evolving landscape of emplo...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 33 min
In this episode of the podcast, Mining Minds partners with Liebherr Mining to recap the highly successful Dozer Rodeo event held in Northern Nevada. Join us as we explore the excitement and energy of the event, from the operators' experiences to the strong sense of community that was built throughout the week. We dive into the development of the PR776 dozer, the world's largest 70-ton class hydrostatic machine, and hear from the experts that help with its success. Plus, we get firsthand feedback...
Nov 14, 2024•55 min
Get ready for an epic episode of the Mining Minds Podcast ! This time, the tables turn as special guest host Conway Fraser takes over to interview the owners and hosts of Mining Minds ! For our new listeners and die-hard followers alike, we're diving into who we are, how it all began, and our journey through the mining industry. This layback/undercut episode brings you behind the scenes—our passion for mining, our commitment to sharing real mining stories, and what it means to "stay the course" ...
Nov 08, 2024•1 hr 13 min
In this episode, Mining Minds sit down with Paul Wilmot , a multi-generational miner and chemical engineer from East Ely, Nevada, who grew up playing hockey and later found his way to mining. We dive deep into the importance of revitalizing modern mining as a U.S. industry focus and break down natural progressions in mining methods, especially around sustainable practices. Paul shares insights on his unique path, learning from his dad, first experiences underground and as an electrician, and his...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 52 min
In this episode, Mining Minds welcomes Conway Fraser , co-founder of Fraser Torosay and co-author of Leaders Under Fire ! Drawing from his roots in Sudbury, Canada, Conway shares his incredible journey growing up in a mining town on the Nickel Belt, where his passion for storytelling blossomed through high school broadcasting. Conway reflects on his early career reporting on mining companies, highlighting the invaluable lessons he learned on his way to becoming an award-winning investigative jou...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 59 min
Hector Denogean , a third-generation miner, travels all the way from Arizona to join Mining Minds in studio to share his journey in the mining industry. Hector takes us back to his first job, fresh out of school, where he learned the ropes of working with people—managing personalities, building bonds, and understanding the importance of teamwork in the mine. He sought to earn the respect of his peers, prove his worth, and overcome the challenges of the job. We discuss the boom-and-bust cycles th...
Sep 18, 2024•3 hr 11 min
Get ready for a special episode of Mining Minds as we hit the greens at the White Pine County Golf Course for the Eastern Nevada SME's annual scholarship fundraiser! This event is all about bringing the community and region together to support the future of mining. We had the unique privilege of sitting down with some bright young minds to discuss how the mining industry can improve and what steps we need to take to prepare the next generation of miners. @Tayorbrunson , @Tanner Brunson , @Kason ...
Sep 11, 2024•1 hr 30 min
Mining Minds dives deep into the transformative power of AI in the mining industry, led by the visionary CTO and Co-founder of Razor Labs , Michael Zolotov . From his roots in Ukraine to his successful immigration to Israel, Michael shares his unique journey—growing up in a family of doctors, leveraging his military background, and ultimately pioneering cutting-edge AI technology in the mining sector. Michael discusses the revolutionary impact of Razor Labs' AI-driven fusion technology , explain...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 21 min
Join us in the studio as we chat with John Simpson , Southwest Regional Manager for Arnold Machinery , who shares his incredible journey from a young boy greasing equipment in Colorado to a seasoned leader in the mining industry. Growing up working for his dad, John was introduced to hard work early on, but his passion for rodeo led him to meet world-class individuals and eventually become a rodeo judge. John opens up about his transition into the mining industry, drawn by the regular schedule, ...
Aug 28, 2024•2 hr 26 min
In this episode, Mining Minds welcomes Amanda Christensen , Regional Manager for Komatsu in Elko and President of the Nevada Chapter Women in Mining . Amanda shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Montana, where she was heavily involved in sports, to becoming a second-generation miner. Starting as a driller helper, Amanda has worked in various roles, including environmental, maintenance, and material handling, while also running her own business, Thin Air Powersports . Amanda offers val...
Aug 20, 2024•2 hr 19 min
On this episode of the Mining Minds podcast, we sit down for a quick chat about the 2024 Elko Mining Expo , Breaking Rock with Mining Minds, and what we've been up to this summer. Tune in as we detail some studio highlights, talk about upcoming guests, and walk through some exciting new opportunities for the second half of 2024! Don't miss out on all the latest updates and insights from Mining Minds and don't forget to Brass in with your comments, opinions and ideas for future episodes. Liebherr...
Jul 31, 2024•43 min
On this episode of the Mining Minds podcast, we sit down with surveyor extraordinaire Leatha Reeves to explore her remarkable mining journey! Raised in small-town Nevada, Leatha chose to stay home instead of accepting a full-ride volleyball scholarship. Her journey began while waitressing at a local restaurant, where she was recruited to work at the mines as a surveyor, and she hasn't looked back since. Leatha shares her experiences of early underground mining in southern Nevada, the impactful r...
Jun 13, 2024•1 hr 29 min
Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible mothers out there! On this episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with a true matriarch, Grandma Sally Trujillo. Her warmth, wisdom, and boundless love have shaped us in ways we can never repay. As we sipped coffee in her living room, we soaked in her life's remarkable journey and cherished her unforgettable tales. Grandma Sally epitomizes seizing every moment, giving selflessly, and loving unconditionally. She's a beacon of inspiration, reminding ...
May 13, 2024•1 hr 20 min
In the latest episode of our podcast, Mining Minds , had the honor of sitting down with the incredible Sam Faga , External Affairs Superintendent for Kinross Nevada . Sam's journey is nothing short of inspiring - from overcoming challenges as a young parent to navigating through tough economic times, her resilience shines through. Starting as a medical assistant, Sam discovered her passion for mining and hasn't looked back since. Her positivity is contagious, and her journey is a testament to th...
May 03, 2024•1 hr 58 min
Join us in welcoming Aaron Witt , the self-proclaimed "Chief Dirt Nerd" and CEO of BuildWitt , as he sits down with Mining Minds and Joseph Kemp , VP and GM of Kinross Gold Corporation - Nevada, for an industry chat you won't want to miss! Aaron's journey from a kid with no exposure to the dirt world to a passionate advocate for the mining industry is truly amazing. He's turning his childhood passion into a thriving career, and he's here to share his insights with us. Aaron discusses the value o...
Apr 26, 2024•1 hr 9 min
Join us for the premiere episode of Mining Minds , where Commercial Manager for Cyanco , Brandie McDaniel , steps into our brand-new studio! With a rich family history deeply rooted in mining, Brandie delves into her captivating 30-year journey within the industry. From her upbringing in and around Nevada brothels, to receiving invaluable support from mining companies for her education and diving headfirst into mining as a temp for a global OEM, Brandie shares her remarkable experiences and insi...
Apr 15, 2024•1 hr 36 min
In our last episode before Mining Minds make its big move to the new studio! We're thrilled to have Teryn Faiman , Director of Human Resources and President of Women in Mining for the Nevada chapter , joining us for an inspiring conversation. Teryn shares her journey from growing up around mining to becoming a leader in the industry. She discusses seizing opportunities, overcoming challenges, and her passion for empowering others to develop their careers. Discover Teryn's insights into the world...
Apr 03, 2024•1 hr 22 min
Mining Minds sits down in studio with than Jerry Rynearson, the Owner and President of JSR Fleet Performance . Jerry's journey in the mining industry began with a simple job search, but little did he know it would ignite a lifelong passion for equipment operation. He takes us back to his early days, where he learned the ropes by giving breaks to fellow operators and even had the privilege of training his now-wife! Jerry talks about sifting through a major gold deposit, with a geologist, using hi...
Mar 26, 2024•2 hr 9 min
Seasoned underground face miner Ricky Montoya joins Mining Minds , at the Face, to talk about mining! Ricky talks about starting out as a lubber on the surface before finding his home in underground mining. He walks us through his early days, learning from "old school" miners, moving from a maintenance function to an operation function, because of a bonus, and working to change some old perceptions of himself. Ricky provides his insight into the next generation of miners and, as an industry, wor...
Mar 14, 2024•2 hr 1 min
Family man, competitive archer, and seasoned welder Bryce Cracraft joins Mining Minds in studio to walk us through his mining journey. Hailing from the heart of small-town Nevada, Bryce followed his dreams of becoming an underwater welder, carving a unique path for his mining story. From painting handrails to finding mentorship in seasoned miners, he shares his journey with us, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Reflecting on his roots, Bryce reminisces about his father's o...
Mar 04, 2024•1 hr 34 min
On this episode of the podcast, Vern Goglio joins Mining Minds to dive into the world of Standards and more. The conversation unfolds as we explore the intricacies of team building, collaborating with like-minded individuals, and establishing clear expectations. The discussion goes beyond the workplace, delving into the importance of interpersonal skills in creating a robust organizational culture. We discuss the value of viewing time invested in people as a strategic asset, highlighting how it ...
Jan 31, 2024•1 hr 59 min
General Manager for Orla Mining Ltd , Don Dwyer sits down with Mining Minds to walk us through his mining journey. From his high school days in Missouri, he toured an underground mine that would shape his Mining destiny! Don took us through his college years, where he entered a mine rescue program, paving the way for a career dedicated to helping others. He talks about his multiple internships during college that opened the doors and eventually led him into the heart of the Nevada mining industr...
Jan 06, 2024•2 hr 6 min
Aspiring comedian Herb Pierce joins Mining Minds in studio to talk about his mining journey and his next venture in comedy! Growing up in Chico California, Herb made his way to Northern Nevada where he tried his hand in the pharmaceutical field! He discusses starting his life when he met his wife, telling her every joke he knew the first night they hung out, to entering the mining industry as a temp employee. Herb talks about health issues that could affect miners, getting broke into mining by c...
Dec 28, 2023•2 hr 6 min
Join Mining Minds for an incredible chat with Katey Hull, the Human Resources Manager for Ram Enterprise Inc . From small-town Nevada to the mining industry, Katey's journey is nothing short of extraordinary! Growing up surrounded by amazing individuals and embracing the outdoors, Katey has a unique perspective shaped by her experiences. Harvesting incredible animals and creating special memories, she's a true adventurer. In her episode, Katey discusses the value of knowing and connecting with t...
Dec 21, 2023•2 hr 1 min
Vice President for Barr Engineering , and author of Minescapes: Reclaiming Minnesota's Mined Land , Pete Kero joins Mining Minds to discuss reclamation . Pete shares his mining journey, growing up in the heart of the iron range and the upper peninsula of Michigan. From a fourth-generation miner's perspective, he unveils the importance of mining and its huge impact on our nation's success! Pete discusses his new book, "Minescapes" , discusses the unique opportunities in reclamation, and how recla...
Dec 10, 2023•1 hr 16 min
Equipment operator and CEO of the Dirt, Ryan Balles sits down with Mining Minds to talk about his journey! From a small town in Idaho and just days after high school graduation, Ryan found himself laying pipe in the trenches. Facing a challenging start with a supervisor aiming to test his work ethic, Ryan embraced the grit and determination that would become the hallmark of his mining journey. Undeterred by early challenges, Ryan moved in with his high school sweetheart, applied for a job in the...
Dec 01, 2023•1 hr 36 min
In this high-energy episode of Mining Minds , the team takes the podcast on the road to the picturesque White Pine County Municipal Golf Course during the Eastern Nevada SME tournament. Amidst the rolling greens and occasional questionable golf swings, Mining Minds sits down with a fantastic lineup of guests, including representatives from Calibre Mining, KGHM Robinson , Elko Wire Rope , and our good friend and brother Rusty Lewis of Lewis Drilling LLC . Whether you're a mining enthusiast or jus...
Nov 23, 2023•1 hr 44 min
On this episode of the podcast Mining Minds welcomes Drew Polish in studio to talk about healthcare. Drew is the founder of Render Group and partner at Fenyx Heath . Drew walks us through his early mining journey as a drilling helper, and how his faith, family and good old fashioned hard work got him to where he is today. Drew provides insight on the many ways the mining industry can and does benefit from having competitive health care options and what dives into the importance of medical saving...
Nov 15, 2023•1 hr 28 min
On this episode of the podcast Mining Minds took part in the 2023 Elko Mining Expo . Partnering with FAST2 Mine , we had the chance to catch up with good friend and master technician Cecil Cotton ( Episode #115 ) and discussed some of his recent experiences as a contactor. We also had the privilege to sit down with brothers Bob and Mike Delbridge as they talked about the role that mining has played in their life, how they are potentially the last generation of miners from their families, and the...
Nov 04, 2023•58 min
Major Account Manager at Liebherr Ben Kerr, sits down with Mining Minds to talk about his mining journey. Ben walks us through growing up in small town New South Wales Australia, his early career as a technician, and how that has provided him additional opportunities throughout his career. He talks about gaining knowledge from the older miners and their willingness to pass down information, the life of a fly in fly out miner, and family being your greatest achievement. Ben discusses growing his ...
Oct 19, 2023•1 hr 39 min
